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
Heraldic badge
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A heraldic badge, emblem, impresa, or device, is a graphic symbol worn or displayed to indicate allegiance to, or the property of, an individual, family or corporate body. Medieval forms may also be c
Affinity (medieval)
…the lower nobility, just as feudalism had done in a different way. One form of the relationship was known as livery and maintenance. The lord provided livery badges to be worn by the retainer and "maintenance" or his support in their disputes, which often constituted obstruction of judicial processes. One of the…
The Château de Blois, with the porcupine of Louis XII
Imprese from Jacobus Typotius, Symbola Divina et Humana (Prague, 1601), engraved by Aegidius Sadeler II.
Salamander badge of King Francis I of France, with letter "F", Château de Chambord