A Feudal System

Land grants were awarded to the nobles, barons, and bishops by the king. This was done in return for their allegiance and the use of their soldiers in the king’s armies. Most of the community lived within the manor of the lord. The manor consisted of a castle, church village and surrounding farmland. The lord of the manor provided safety and defense for the peasants or "serfs" that lived under his keeping. In return, the peasants worked the land producing goods the lord needed. The feudal system would eventually decline when trade and commerce gradually entered the scene.

The Castle

Although a romantic and formidable visage, the castle was a cold, damp and dark place to live. Any windows were small for security purposes. Wooden shutters would be closed at night and in inclement weather.

Peasant/Serf Life

The lives of the peasants was difficult. Their thatched roofed homes were very small, usually no more than one or two rooms. Peasants were heavily taxed and required to hand over most of the harvested produce to their lord. In addition, Medieval law provided that the lord assume the role of judge in carrying out the laws of the manor.