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The word seneschal (/ ˈ s ɛ n ə ʃ əl /) can have several different meanings, all of which reflect certain types of supervising or administering in a historic context.Most commonly, a seneschal was a senior position filled by a court appointment within a royal, ducal, or noble household during the Middle Ages and early Modern period – historically a steward or majordomo of a medieval ...
The Seneschal of Anjou (siniscallus, Vulgar or old Frankish Latin, also dapifer) was an officer of an aristocratic household assigned to manage the domestic affairs of the lords of Anjou. During the course of the twelfth century, the seneschalship also became an office of military command.
The seneschal managed the household, coordinating between the receivers of various landholdings and the chamber, treasury, and the chancellory or chapel. The seneschals of Normandy, like those appointed in Gascony, Poitou, and Anjou had custody of demesne fortresses, the regional treasuries, and presidency of the highest court of regional custom.
The Knights Templar were led by the Grand Master, originally based in Jerusalem, whose deputy was the Seneschal. Next in importance was the Marshal, who was responsible for individual commanders, horses, arms and equipment. He usually carried the standard or nominated a standard-bearer.
Royal feasts played an important role in consolidating community and hierarchy among the elite, and dish-bearers and butlers served the food and drinks at these meals. Thegns were members of the aristocracy, leading landowners who occupied the third lay (non-religious) rank in English society after the king and ealdormen. Dish-bearers and ...
Later this office name was replaced with the term Seneschal and came to be the principal diplomat and executive of the court: a feudal prime minister and foreign minister. Brawdwr Llys, meaning "court judge" — a senior legal officer who arbitrated on affairs of the realm; a feudal Minister of Justice. Penhebogydd, the chief falconer.
Seneschal of the Realm (Swedish: riksdrots; Danish: Rigsdrost; Norwegian: Drottsete; Finnish: Valtakunnandrotsi; other plausible translations are Lord High Steward or Lord High Justiciar) is a Danish and Swedish supreme state official, with at least a connotation to administration of judiciary, who in medieval Scandinavia was often a leader in the government.
The seneschal administered the coronation ceremony, oversaw the Haute Cour in the king's absence, administered royal castles, and managed the royal finances and revenue. The seneschal's power was over only viscounts and not castellans, and the constable was still superior to the seneschal due in part to the kingdom's constant state of war. [3]