Life On T he Manor

Life On The ManorSocial Studies 8

Life Today in Vancouver Life in the High Middle Ages on the Manor

How did living during these two times vary? How was it similar? Discuss with the person next to you

Review• Last Class: – The three F’s of Feudalism (fief, fealty, and faith)– The Feudal pyramid: King, Nobles, Lords, Knights,

and Peasants– Knights and the Chivalric Code

Life On The Manor• Manors were created on various Fiefs that

lords owned• Each manor was a small village– Every manor had farmlands, woodlands, and a

pasture (grasslands for animals) – Mostly Serfs lived on the manor– A lord or knight would live on the manor too and

be in control of running the manor– Manors were known to be self-sufficient. They

had everything they needed to survive with in their manor

Buildings on the Manor• Interactive Map

Each Manor had:- A Church: A place to go to worship- A Mill: A place to help process food-A Blacksmith: To craft weapons, armor and tools- A Tannery: To work with leather, create

clothing, etc.- A Manor House and Serf Houses: A place of

residence for those living on the manor- The Lord’s Demesne: Outdoor area that usually

had gardens and orchards for the Lord’s use only

Different Roles for people on the Manor• Lord (sometimes a knight): – Was in charge of the manor, owned

the land that the serfs worked• Serfs Or Villeins:– Provided the labour and had the

lowest standard of living. “The Lower Class”

– Considered part of the property and could not leave the manor! Except Free holders: They could leave

– Had to farm and take care of the crops: any leftover crops they could feed their families with and try to sell

Life On The Manor- Diet• Diet of a serf:– A lot of bread and beer (over 5000 calories a day)– Ate Herring, onions, leeks, cheese, fruits, eggs,– Besides beer, drank milk of cows, sheep and goats

– A lord would have all of these foods readily available for consumption and much more options

Living On The Manor• Serfs, freeholders, and the

tradesmen (blacksmith, tanner) all lived in the same area on the manor

• Houses were poor quality, made from wattle and daub with a thatched roof

• Small, usually a family of 5 or 6 would share a small room

• Slept on a small bed made of straw• Barely any furniture• Filled with vermin (rats) and insects

Expectations for Manors and their Workers• The peasants or serfs were expected to work

extremely hard from sunrise to sunset• The men spent most time farming and working

the plough in the fields, producing food to give to the lord and to keep for themselves

• The women would take care of the children until they were old enough to work (which was very young about 6 or 7)

• The women would also prepare food and make clothing for their family

Expectations for Manors and their Workers

• Manors had quotas (expected numbers) that they had to fill when the lord collected the crops that were grown

• Serfs had to be productive and work if they wanted to eat and survive

• Stewards, who were workers for the King would visit manors and inspect them, and check their productivity

• It was important to satisfy them on their visits, otherwise stiff penalties such as heavy taxes could be put on a manor

Primary Source Analysis• A Primary sources: Original materials from that time

period. For us, they come from 1000 C.E. to 1400 C.E. to be a primary source from the High Middle Ages

• Read the Handout I am giving you on Primary Sources:• Answer the Questions provided on the question

sheets:• To be done by yourself because a lot of these

questions depend on your own opinion• Be sure to put your name and block on these question

sheets as well

Conclusion of Today

• Exit Slip: Before we leave!!!:• Explain to me the following:– 1 way manor life was similar to

life today– 1 way manor life was different

to life today– 1 challenge someone on the

manor would face– What would you learn from

living on the manor?