Medieval English Social Hierarchy: From King to Serfs

The feudal hierarchy in medieval England:

1. The King – Head of state; absolute authority.
2. The Nobility – High-ranking lords/ladies holding land from the king; advisors, officials.
3. The Clergy – Church hierarchy (priest to archbishop); spiritual authority.
4. The Knights – Professional cavalry soldiers pledged to a lord/king; elite warriors.
5. The Yeomen – Free landowning commoners; farmers/tradesmen.
6. The Peasants – Poor farmers/laborers working lords' land; few rights, harsh treatment.
7. The Serfs – Lowest rank; bound to the land, not free to leave; owed labor and produce to lord.