Medieval Manor Houses

Medieval Manors and Manor Houses in Europe

• Peasants were treated to beef once a year during grand feasts in the Great Hall, while their houses were made of wood, mud, and manure with thatched straw roofs.
• Manors were mostly self-sufficient, rare contact with the outside world, and each developed its own customs and traditions.
• The manorial system existed within the larger framework of feudalism, with lords granting land to vassals in exchange for military service.
• Lords in medieval times were responsible for all aspects of manor life and paid homage to the king.
• Feudalism was the main form of government and social structure across Europe, leading to the prevalence of manors and manor houses.
• Castles were heavily fortified, while manors were smaller and built for comfort and domestic use, reflecting the lord's wealth and status.
• The manorial system was present in England, France, Spain, and the Netherlands.
• Early English manors were fortified, but as stability increased, building styles focused on demonstrating status and luxury.
• French manor houses were heavily fortified due to the Hundred Years' War, serving as both residence and center of life on the manor.
• Spanish manor houses varied in name and structure, from heavily fortified Alcazars to large economic ventures called Haciendas.
• Dutch manors, or heerlijkheden, were part of medieval life in the Netherlands, with wealthy merchants purchasing them as summer homes.
• The manor house typically consisted of several connected structures, including a kitchen, buttery, food storage area, private quarters, and a church.