In England, feudal relations between kings and their barons dictated the rights and duties of each. The barons provided military and other services to the king and the king provided protection and grants of land, to the barons. In theory, the king was supposed to consult his barons before raising taxes or demanding large amounts of military service. With the ascension of King John to the throne, the delicate balance of feudalism was lost.
Besides military service, feudal custom allowed the king to make certain other exactions from his barons. In times of emergency, and on such special occasions as the marriage of the baron's eldest daughter, the king could demand from them a financial levy known as an `aid'. When a baron died, he could demand a succession duty or `relief' from the baron's heir. If there was no heir, or if the succession was disputed, the baron's lands could be forfeited or to the Crown. If the heir was under age, the king could assume the guardianship of......
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