Manorialism

Manorialism was a way of organizing land, people, and wealth in Medieval Europe. A manor was a large estate that was owned by a lord or noble (a person who was of high social rank). People living on the manor would work the land and give part of what they grew or made to the lord. In exchange, the lord would give them protection and give them a place to live. Everyone on the manor had duties and rights and each person would have a special job like a farmer, metal-worker, or shepherd. People were usually divided into two classes: the lord and his family at the top, and the peasants or villagers at the bottom. The lord of the manor would also have a court which served as a sort of justice system and a local government. Manorialism was a way of life that lasted from medieval times until the 19th century.