Manorialism in Western Europe
The manorial system was an economic and social system in medieval Europe
under which peasants’ land ownership and production were regulated. Western
European manorialism consisted of the division of land into estates owned by
landlords and worked by the peasants. The lord of the estate owed military
protection from raiders, feudal conflicts, and other dangers to the peasants. In
return, these serfs farmed the lord’s land. These serfs also paid rents and other
fees in crops, animals, and labor. In addition to controlling economic activity, the
lord also exerted control over social function such as marriage and free time.
Agriculture was very important on the manor. A 3-field system of crop rotation
made the land more productive. Serfs produced nearly everything needed for
daily life. For example, these peasants grew and harvested crops, cut lumber,
wove cloth, and cared for animals. The lord gave the serfs land, shelter, and
protection in exchange for work. The serfs often lived in villages near the lord’s
castle or manor hours. Serfs were not slaves. They could not be bought or sold
off the land. The manorial system and feudalism complimented one another.
Although it spread throughout Europe, manorialism did not begin there. Similar
methods of landholding existed in non-European areas. Japan and India used
similar systems. Western European manorialism ended in the 16th century largely
due to changes in the economy, population, and new laws. The system
continued in some form in Eastern Europe and Russia into the 20th century.
Project CLEAR Model Lessons
© 2002 Houston Independent School District
World History Studies
Teachers Reference 2.4 -1