Guardage is a noun that refers to a fee or compensation paid to guard, protect, or look after something, typically the property or belongings of another individual or organization. This term is commonly used in the context of medieval times when individuals, particularly landowners, sought protection for their assets. Guardage can also be regarded as a form of payment for the provision of security and defense services.
In medieval society, guardage was often demanded from tenants or vassals, usually in the form of goods, produce, or labor, in exchange for the safeguarding of their possessions, such as crops, livestock, or land. The expectation was that those receiving guardage would take responsibility for the protection of the aforementioned assets, ensuring their safety from theft, damage, or attack. The provision of guardage was typically an obligation that came with certain rights and privileges bestowed upon the person or entity providing the protection.
The concept of guardage can also extend to contemporary contexts, such as the payment of fees to security companies or guards responsible for protecting properties, premises, or valuable assets. It encompasses the compensation given to those entrusted with ensuring the physical safety and security of individuals, buildings, or items of significant worth.
Overall, guardage encompasses a range of historical and modern practices related to the provision of protection, assistance, and surveillance, often involving a reciprocal exchange of compensation between the protected party and the one providing the guarding services.
