What Was a Yeoman?

Was one of your ancestors a yeoman?

The term has changed in meaning over the centuries. But generally speaking, a yeoman was between a labourer and a gentleman in social status. Let’s briefly consider how this term has developed over time.

It is speculated that the word “yeoman” originates from “young man” or “villager” in Old English.

In the Middle Ages, a yeoman was an important servant in a noble household. He would rank above a page but below a squire in status.

By the 12th and 13th centuries, the term generally referred to a guard or soldier hired by a master, often for private warfare.

In the 13th century, excellent yeomen were chosen to serve as Yeomen of the Chamber, and were to be experts in archery.

During the Hundred Years’ War (1337-1453), some yeomen served as elite archers, or as bodyguards to nobles. Note that archery was recurrent here. Yeomen of the Crown, who were hired by the king, could be granted a stewardship of a royal forest upon retirement.

Eventually the term also came to refer to freeholders, or farmers with their own land. Landowners of an annual value of 40 shillings or more qualified for certain rights and responsibilities. For example, they could serve on juries and vote for the knight of the shire.

Summary
To summarise, early yeomen were usually important servants in noble households, often in a military sense. Later, the term also applied to farmers who owned land. A yeoman was considered above a common labourer but below a gentleman in status.

Bibliography:

http://www.merriam-webster.com. (n.d.). Definition of YEOMAN. [online] Available at: https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/yeoman

http://www.albion-swords.com. (n.d.). The Yeoman Medieval Sword. [online] Available at: https://www.albion-swords.com/swords/albion/nextgen/sword-medieval-yeoman-typexiv.htm

http://www.ancestry.com.au. (n.d.). Yeoman Name Meaning & Yeoman Family History at Ancestry.com.au®. [online] Available at: https://www.ancestry.com.au/name-origin?surname=yeoman

http://www.merriam-webster.com. (n.d.). Definition of RETAINER. [online] Available at: https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/retainer