The landed classes

The landed classes are wealthy landowners who own large areas of land, often historically connected to aristocracy or feudal systems. They derive income from leasing land, farming, or other rural activities, and have traditionally held significant social and political influence. Their wealth is tied to land ownership rather than industry or commerce, shaping economic and societal structures over centuries. While their prominence has declined in many countries, they still represent a segment of the elite with historical roots in landholding and rural aristocracy.