CONTENTS.

ix

the Norman . A DiflinClion concerning their Con-dition in the Anglo-Saxon and the Anglo - Norman times. The repeated Demands for the revival ofthe Laws of Edward the Confessor. An Explana-tion of this Difficulty. The Introduction of Knight,service into England. Of the Number of Knight-feesthere. ...... Page 82

CHAPTER III.

Of the Military Power of a Feudal Kingdom.

SECTION I.

An Idea of the Feudal Militia. 97

SECTION II.

The Inefficacy of the Feudal Militia. The Fractionsof a Fee. Its Members. Attempts to escape out ofthe Bondage of Fiefs. The Fine of Alienation.Subftitutions of Service. Commutations of Servicefor Money. The Fine for the NegleCl of Service „The Tenure of Efcuage. The Rife of Stipendiaries ,and the Necessities of Princes. Devices and Fraudsto prevent the Service of Knights , and the Paymentsof Efcuage. The Rife of Commerce. . too

CHAPTER IV.

The Fall of Chivalry as a Military Eßablifhment.The Knights of Honor lose their Consideration.Their Numbers and Venality. Wealth becomes amore solid Title to Knighthood than personal Merit .This Dignity is connected with the Possession of ctFee. It ceajes to be Honorable , and is made a

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