ABSTRACT
The nobility of Europe in the period 1300 to 1550 can be defined in basic terms as a social group at the highest level of society below kings. The stratification of society can also be seen in the sumptuary laws passed in this period, which tried to prescribe what different ranks of people could wear and even eat. While many churchmen held important roles within the organisation of a kingdom, often as clerks in royal service, the nobility also played an important part in public life across Europe. Their roles could be merely symbolic or important diplomatic missions. The relationship between the nobility and kings was not simple in period, as many younger sons, cousins and uncles of kings were members of the nobility while also being members of the Blood Royal, or prince du sang' in France.
