1. Marriage: One way for a commoner to move into the noble class was through marriage. If a commoner married a member of the nobility, they would typically become a member of that noble family and gain the associated titles and privileges. This was often seen as a way for noble families to improve their social standing or to gain access to new wealth or resources.
2. Military service: Another way for a commoner to move into the noble class was through military service. In some cases, commoners who distinguished themselves in battle or who showed exceptional leadership could be rewarded with a noble title or knighthood. This was especially common during times of war or military conflict, when the need for skilled and experienced soldiers was high.
3. Royal favour: In some cases, a commoner could also be elevated to the noble class through the direct favour of a monarch or other powerful figure. This could happen for a variety of reasons, such as the commoner's loyalty, service, or personal relationship with the monarch. In these cases, the commoner would typically be granted a noble title or other honour, such as a knighthood or peerage.
4. Wealth and influence: In some societies, it was also possible for commoners to move into the noble class through the accumulation of wealth and influence. This could be achieved through successful trade, the acquisition of land, or other means of economic advancement. In these cases, the wealthy commoner would often use their resources to purchase noble titles or to gain political power, which could eventually lead to them becoming a member of the noble class.
However, it is important to note that these pathways were often limited and restricted, and moving from the commoner to noble class was generally a difficult and uncommon occurrence.