Pledging Lordly Rights and “Squeezing” Local Communities in the Later Middle Ages

During the 14th and 15th centuries, German lords and Holy Roman emperors often pledged rights and properties to creditors to settle debts, a practice that frequently led to financial exploitation of local communities. A study analyzing the pledging of the court at Hoym to Quedlinburg in the mid-15th century reveals how pledge-holders maximized income extraction, creating cycles of conflict and negotiation. The research highlights the broader phenomenon of lordly rights pledging, demonstrating its local economic and social consequences. By examining this case study, the study sheds light on the tensions arising from such financial practices in medieval Europe.

Lyon, J. R. (2024). Pledging Lordly Rights and “Squeezing” Local Communities in the Later Middle Ages. Austrian History Yearbook, 55, 605–616. https://doi.org/10.1017/s0067237824000419