Peasants and serfs played a major role in the function of the manor. The serfs gave a substantial portion of their independence and work to the lord. The serfs made up approximately 90 percent of the population on the manor (King 27). Both freemen and serfs were peasants, however freemen were people who owned their land and could leave the manor whenever they pleased (Jovinelly 9). The serfs lived their busy lives in small, close homes with a limited, small plot of land as their backyard (Bennett 43). Although serfs or villeins never feared unemployment, they were extremely restricticted and were unable to change their social status, job, or even leave the manor. However, one of the only options for another path was for sons to become monks.
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The requirements to become a knight were demanding mentally, physically and economically. The knight, otherwise known as the servant of war, had to obtain several traits which could make him into a great, dedicated fighter (Lenehan). Some of these characteristics included the willingness to die for his lord, being respectful, and having honorable behavior for everyone, both friend and foe. Above all of these, the most important trait to possess was loyalty. Along with these personality traits, there were other, more physical abilities the fighter had to have. Such things included the ability to fight with a sword and dagger, being skilled in archery, and being able to stay on a horse midst a battle. They also must be able to participate in jousting tournaments for the public to view (Smith). Not only were there requirements to be a knight regarding their mental and physical abilities, but also what the manor and the civilians living on it could provide. Part of the military was formed by grouping farmers to put together their surplus, to afford one fighter. The land would be unable to support the knight if the farmers were unable to provide such necessities (Lenehan). The other, more common way of becoming a knight, was a commitment between the vassal and their lord. The lord would give a
The requirements to become a knight were demanding mentally, physically and economically. The knight, otherwise known as the servant of war, had to obtain several traits which could make him into a great, dedicated fighter (Lenehan). Some of these characteristics included the willingness to die for his lord, being respectful, and having honorable behavior for everyone, both friend and foe. Above all of these, the most important trait to possess was loyalty. Along with these personality traits, there were other, more physical abilities the fighter had to have. Such things included the ability to fight with a sword and dagger, being skilled in archery, and being able to stay on a horse midst a battle. They also must be able to participate in jousting tournaments for the public to view (Smith). Not only were there requirements to be a knight regarding their mental and physical abilities, but also what the manor and the civilians living on it could provide. Part of the military was formed by grouping farmers to put together their surplus, to afford one fighter. The land would be unable to support the knight if the farmers were unable to provide such necessities (Lenehan). The other, more common way of becoming a knight, was a commitment between the vassal and their lord. The lord would give a