Manorialism In The Middle Ages

Manorialism was the organized structure of the feudal manor, essential to how feudalism flourished. During the Middle Ages, the lords and the serfs typically lived within one estate, known as the manor. Given to the lord from an overlord of theirs, they were to manage and rule over the entire land, as well as those who lived within. Originating from the french word, meneir—to dwell, the inhabitants of the manor worked for the lord in return for protection and shelter, often living in that manor their entire lives (Jovinelly and Netelkos 7-8). With serfs and villeins working and sustaining the manor in its entirety, trade was rendered obsolete by the self-sufficient system in place. A medieval manor was nearly identical to those of other lords, having the same basic structure necessary to work in the most efficient manner. …show more content…
All the lands were encompassed under the lord’s authority. While peasant houses were constructed of cheap materials like thatch, wattle, and daub (Pizzuto), churches were built of sturdy stone, and were close to the heart of the village. Faith was a necessity to the people’s lives, and the clergy often received the best treatment as well as the adoration and trust from the villagers (Jovinelly and Netelkos 8). Donated to by all the peasants, the church was often adorned with expensive decorations, signifying the dominance of religion in these people’s lives (King 34-45). The social order within the manor was heavily predominant, with one’s role corresponding to a certain value in the community’s eyes. The lord, his lady, and his family at the very pinnacle of power, and the commoners below, with a very wide gap in ability. Similar to the feudal system itself, manorialism had its own rigid hierarchy, those born within the manor also born into a certain predetermined lifestyle out of their