History The Feudal System Questions Medium
The manorial system was a key component of the Feudal System and had several main features.
Firstly, the manorial system was based on a hierarchical structure. At the top was the lord of the manor, who owned the land and had control over the peasants living on it. The lord granted land to vassals, who in turn provided military service and other forms of support to the lord. The vassals were often knights or nobles.
Secondly, the manorial system was characterized by the division of land into self-sufficient units called manors. Each manor consisted of the lord's land, known as the demesne, and the land allocated to the peasants, known as the serfs. The serfs were bound to the land and were obligated to provide labor, goods, and services to the lord.
Thirdly, the manorial system was primarily an agricultural system. The peasants worked the land and were responsible for farming, herding livestock, and maintaining the manor. They paid rent to the lord in the form of a portion of their crops or other produce. In return, the lord provided protection and justice.
Fourthly, the manorial system had limited social mobility. The status of individuals within the system was largely determined by birth. The lord held the highest position, followed by the vassals, and then the serfs. It was difficult for serfs to improve their social standing or leave the manor without the lord's permission.
Lastly, the manorial system was largely self-sufficient. The manor had its own economy, with the serfs producing most of the goods and services needed for daily life. The lord often had a monopoly on certain activities, such as milling or brewing, which the serfs were required to use and pay for.
Overall, the main features of the manorial system within the Feudal System were its hierarchical structure, division of land into manors, agricultural focus, limited social mobility, and self-sufficiency.