How Knights Used Trusts in the Middle Ages

During the Crusades (11th–13th centuries), many English knights left their homes and lands for years to fight in the Holy Land. But they had a problem:
If a knight died, was captured, or simply stayed away too long, who would manage his estate, collect rents, or protect the rights of his heirs?

To solve this, trusts were used. A knight would transfer legal title of his land to a trusted friend or relative—a trustee—with instructions to manage the land for the benefit of his family or heirs—the beneficiaries.

This arrangement allowed:

• The trustee to legally control the property.

• The beneficiaries to receive the benefits (like income or protection of land rights).

• The knight to ensure his wishes were respected, even in his absence or death.

But problems arose: sometimes trustees would try to keep the land, arguing they were now the legal owners. So the English Court of Chancery stepped in, developing the principles of equity—a system of law designed to enforce moral and fair outcomes. This gave rise to the modern legal concept of trusts.