Unit: Medieval Europe
Lesson Title: Manor Life
(See textbook pages 245– 246)
Feudalism was first created by the Franks in now what
is France. In the 1000s Frankish knights introduced
feudalism into northern Italy, northern Spain, Germany,
and eastern Europe.
William, the powerful Duke (a noble lord) of Normandy
(a territory of France), brought feudalism to Britain.
William
Harold
William believed he had the right to the English throne
(to become King in England). But the English
crowned his cousin Harold instead. Then in 1066
William invaded England with his army.
William defeated Harold at the Battle of Hastings, and
established a line of Norman kings in England.
William
Harold
William’s victory earned him the name: “William the
Conqueror.” Harold’s defeat got him killed in battle!
William had won the battle and conquered England
with 6,000 knights. He rewarded the knights
for their service by giving them large pieces of land.
The knights built manor houses (castles) and collected
peasants to work on their land in return for their
protection. This is how feudalism started in England.
So what was life like on a medieval manor?
In class reading assignment:
Read “The Manor System” including “Peasants, Serfs
and Other Workers” and “Manor Lords”on pages 244–245.
Answer these questions:
1. In general, what did each manor include?
2. Why didn’t knights farm the land they received?
3. What did serfs get in return for working the fields on
their lords’ land?
4. What responsibilities did the lord have in running his
manor?
Knights received land (fiefs) for their service from lords
or kings and became their vassals. The knights would
build manor houses on the land and collect peasants to
work it in return for the protection.
In exchange for
protection and
the right to farm
a small part of
land, serfs would
stay on the
knight’s (lord’s)
land, working it
for him and for
themselves. They
were not allowed
to move or leave
the land without
permission – they
were legally,
“tied” to it.
Right Side Notebook Activity
A Manor Journal
Using your notes and the picture on pages 244-245, write
about a “day on the manor” as a medieval serf. Include:
--What did you do this day (for work)?
--Where you live (describe your house)
--How do you feel about your life?
--What is your opinion about knights and lords?
--What types of things does your manor produce?