Inheritance and Succession

Illegitimate children typically knew who their fathers were, but had no legal rights to inherit from them. Only if formally acknowledged could they inherit, and even if a living legitimate heir did not exist, an acknowledged bastard might still find his claim challenged by the deceased’s relatives. Bastards of rulers generally enjoyed more status, wealth and provision than offspring of more humble origins–Francesco d’Este, a 15th century illegitimate son of the Italian Marquis of Ferrara, who spent much of his life at the Burgundian court, being an example. Occasionally high nobles might marry off their non-noble paramours to retainers (or more rarely a vassal), as a reward, or provide for them financially. Promising offspring from dalliances might also be kept an eye on by noble sires, who might assist in their advancement.

The inheritance of lands, wealth and titles was vital, not only to those in line of inheritance, but also to liege lords, to whom a new vassal was of powerful military and political consequence.

An acknowledged Credit to the Family can expect some help and preferment from a noble parent, while a Good Son/Daughter might benefit from substantial advantages. Such illegitimate children typically were raised as lesser members of the extended family, their loyalty (and self-interested support) being viewed as a valuable asset. In turbulent times, such kin relationships were often of great significance.

Primogeniture entails the transferring of all titles, lands and property to the first legitimate son. While some provision might be made for other offspring (perhaps up to 10% of the estate), junior siblings typically had to accept the eldest brother as family head and on his patronage. Lacking a male heir, the eldest female inherits all–although if she is a minor (or wealthy), she becomes a ward of the overlord. In cases lacking a legitimate heir, the deceaseds closest male kin inherits, a brother, uncle, etc. Otherwise, the lands revert to the liege lord.

Primogeniture was not universally adopted. In France, the custom was often to divide an estate between sons, a practice that eventually led to numbers of aristocrats who, although holding only modest lands, claimed an illustrious pedigree.