Affinity (medieval)
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In post-classical history, an affinity was a group of men whom a lord gathered around himself in his service; it has been described by one modern historian as "the servants, retainers, and other follo
The Dunstable Swan Jewel, a livery badge, from ca. 1400 (British Museum)
Middleham Castle was the centre of the earl of Salisbury's Yorkshire affinity.
John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster: In the later fourteenth century, his affinity was second only to that of the king.
Bayeux Tapestry scene 23 Harold sacramentum fecit Willelmo duci