"Bastard Feudalism" refers to a system in late medieval England where lords maintained power through personal relationships rather than traditional feudal obligations. This system emerged as lords began to rely on paid retainers and hired soldiers instead of vassals who owed military service in exchange for land. This shift weakened the traditional feudal hierarchy and created a more fluid social structure. The term is often associated with the Wars of the Roses, a series of civil wars for control of the English throne. During this period, many nobles built private armies and formed alliances, leading to increased instability and conflict as loyalty became more about personal ties than feudal duty.