châtelains

A châtelain was historically the keeper or lord of a castle. The term derives from the Old French word "chastel," meaning castle, and it signified the person in charge of a fortified residence. In feudal times, a châtelain was often a noble or a knight appointed by the monarch or a higher lord to oversee the defense and administration of a castle and its surrounding territory. Their responsibilities were significant and typically included ensuring the castle's security, maintaining order, collecting rents and taxes, and administering justice within their domain. The châtelain acted as the lord's representative, and their authority was considerable, though they were accountable to their superior. In some instances, the châtelain might also hold a hereditary title or be a significant landowner in their own right. The role evolved over time, and with the decline of castles as primary military strongholds, the importance of the châtelain diminished, often becoming more of a ceremonial or administrative position. The term can also refer to the chatelaine, the lady of a castle, though the masculine form "châtelain" specifically denotes the male keeper or lord.