How Feudal Rule Grew in Barbados

The Monarch's authority reigned supreme in the hierarchical structure of medieval feudal society. This power was reinforced by traveling justices who collected taxes, imposed levies, and extended the reach of royal justice. However, as the monarchy's grip tightened, the barons grew increasingly disappointed with a system that left them powerless. Under King John, their resentment reached a boiling point as his overbearing attitude and inefective military campaigns magnified tensions. The barons' pushback ultimately resulted in the Magna Carta in 1215, a pivotal moment aimed at curbing the King's authority and protecting their rights.


The legacy of feudalism continues to resonate in modern society, particularly in former colonies like Barbados, where patterns of landownership and social hierarchy still exist. The amalgamation of land and power in the hands of a few, a hallmark of the feudal system, can be seen in the enduring financial variations and social stratification in many Caribbean nations. Furthermore, the cultural memory of feudalism and colonialism shapes contemporary identities and stories, affecting how neighborhoods understand their history and their location on the planet.

By analyzing the tradition of feudalism, we can get insights into the sustaining impacts of historical power structures and the methods which they continue to form our societies today.

Taken from the book "Rogues in Paradise", the Saga of Colonialism in the Caribbean. A True Story of Race, Class, Culture and Character of the survivors of slavery.

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