Aim: How did the manor system
(manorialism) work in medieval Europe?
• Do Now: Write down your definition for
self-sufficient?
Mr. McEntarfer – Global I
Instructional Objectives
• Why did people live in feudal manors
during the Medieval period?
• What was life like on the manor?
No Central Government
• Once the Western Empire collapsed there
was no longer the central government of
the Emperor. The Roman armies also
disappeared and could not protect the
people and make the roads and cities safe
for trade.
Fleeing to the Countryside
• Out of fear of barbarian attacks people left
the cities and attached themselves to
powerful warlords in the countryside. In
exchange for their protection the people
agreed to work for the these lords
becoming peasant farmers (serfs).
• The manor was largely self sufficient,
that is the peasant serfs produced nearly
everything that was needed, from food,
clothing and furniture.
• The manor usually consisted of several
small huts, a wind or water mill to grind
wheat, a church, the manor house and
several small strips of farming land.
Which building is the
largest? What does that tell
you about the people who
live there?
What would most
people who live here
do for a living?
Life of a peasant serf
As a serf I have to work all
day long from dusk till dawn.
Half of that time I have to
work for my lord who is
suppose to protect me. I am
basically his slave. I barely
have enough to eat and I
have to share my mud hut
with the lords pigs and goats.
Obligations on the Manor
• Looking at the
chart, what were
the obligations of
• King to Lord
• Lord to Knight
• Knight to Serf
Activity – Read “Life on the Medieval Manor:
The Feudal Arrangement” p.145 - 147
Questions:
1. What services did a feudal nobleman
perform for the lord who was ranked
above him?
2. What were the obligations of the serfs?
3. What was the system of manorialism?
4. Why did Lord Pierre grant permission for
the marriage of Helene and Louis;
daughter?
5. Why did Helene think that the feudal
system was unfair?
Assessment
• What is Manorialism?
• What role do each of the following play in
creating a self sufficient system
• King
• Lord
• Knight
• Serf
The economic activities on this feudal manor were based on
1. guilds
2. banking
3. industry
4. agriculture
What economic concept can be inferred from this picture?
1. self sufficiency
2. inflation
3. trade embargo
4. competition
Aim: Become a lord and create
your own manor.
Do Now: Identify the following.
1. Favorite animal
2. Favorite sport
3. Hobbies
4. Music
5. Heritage
6. What else really speaks to your identity?
Create your Coat of Arms
• A coat of arms was the symbol of a knight's house, lineage and
honor. Every knight had a coat of arms to tell everyone who he
was and what family he came from.
• Design a personal coat of arms that represents your family,
interests and/or personal history.
• Use your creativity, personal preferences and create a coat of arms
that reflects who you are.
• Write a brief essay that explains the details of your coat of arms
and why you decided to design it the way you did.
Jousting Tournaments
Who’s who in Battle
More Examples
Create your coat of arms
Create your Manor - Rubric
•
Your manor should include the following. The more
complete your estate the more knights/points you will have
to do battle
1. Manor house or castle
2. Church
3. Water or wind mill
4. Lord’s Oven
5. Serf huts
6. Workshop
7. Three farming strips (fields)
8. People (Who would you find on the manor)?
Create your Manor
• Your second task as lord
is to create your manor
(estate) The more
complete and well done it
is the more points and
knights you will receive to
gain the crown.
Why was religion
an important part
of peoples lives
in feudal Europe?
Describe the
purpose of the
following
buildings.
• Blacksmith
shop
• The Mill
• The Lords
Oven
Describe how the
manor was selfsufficient?