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A French Norman Seigneur, especially one who holds his fief directly from the king (a seigneur direct), has the authority to appoint various ceremonial officials to manage the administration, justice, and economic activities within the fief. The full range of appointments a French seigneur could make included the following:

Administrative Appointments

  1. Steward (Sénéchal): The chief administrative officer of the seigneurie, responsible for managing the estate and overseeing the administration of justice.
  2. Bailiff (Bailli): An official who managed a specific portion of the seigneurie, often responsible for enforcing laws, collecting rents, and overseeing agricultural activities.
  3. Provost (Prévôt): Similar to a bailiff but typically in charge of smaller jurisdictions or specific towns within the fief.

Judicial Appointments

  1. Judge (Juge): A legal official appointed to preside over the seigneurial courts, handling civil and criminal cases within the fief.
  2. Notary (Notaire): Responsible for drafting and authenticating legal documents, contracts, and official records.
  3. Sergeant (Sergent): An official who enforced court decisions, such as collecting fines, serving legal notices, and carrying out arrests.

Military Appointments

  1. Constable (Connétable): The head of the military forces within the fief, responsible for organizing and leading the local militia.
  2. Captain (Capitaine): An officer in charge of a specific military unit or garrison within the fief, often responsible for the defense of a castle or fortification.
  3. Marshal (Maréchal): An officer who managed the seigneur's horses and stables, often with broader military responsibilities.

Economic and Resource Management Appointments

  1. Receiver (Receveur): The official in charge of collecting rents, taxes, and other revenues owed to the seigneur.
  2. Forester (Forestier): Responsible for managing and protecting the forests within the fief, including overseeing timber production and hunting rights.
  3. Master of the Hunt (Grand Veneur): An official responsible for organizing and overseeing hunting activities within the seigneurie.

Religious and Ecclesiastical Appointments

  1. Chaplain (Aumônier): A clergy member appointed to serve the spiritual needs of the seigneur's household and the broader community within the fief.
  2. Prior (Prieur): In some cases, the seigneur might have the right to appoint the head of a local priory or other religious institution within the fief.

Municipal and Community Appointments

  1. Mayor (Maire): In towns within the fief, the seigneur might appoint the mayor, who was responsible for local governance and community affairs.
  2. Councilors (Conseillers): Members of a local council appointed to advise the mayor or other officials on community matters and assist in governance.

Market and Trade Appointments

  1. Market Inspector (Garde-Marché): An official responsible for overseeing the operation of markets and fairs, ensuring fair trading practices, and collecting market fees.
  2. Toll Collector (Péager): An official responsible for collecting tolls on roads, bridges, and other infrastructure within the fief.

Additional Roles and Offices

  1. Herald (Héraut): An official responsible for managing heraldry, organizing ceremonies, and sometimes serving as a messenger for the seigneur.
  2. Porter (Portier): The gatekeeper or doorman of the seigneur's castle or manor, responsible for controlling access and maintaining security.

The specific titles and roles could vary depending on the size and importance of the fief, as well as regional customs and laws. Some of these appointments were hereditary, while others were made at the discretion of the seigneur. The overarching goal of these appointments was to ensure efficient management, justice, and defense of the seigneurie, while also maintaining the seigneur's authority and prestige.

 

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