The Village
Most people in a village worked as farmers. Serfs, or villeins, lived a village clustered around the lord's castle. Serfs were bound to the land and couldn't leave the lord's estate, or manor, without the lord's permission. Most serfs-but not all- worked in the fields. Some acted at the lord's servants. Others were craftspeople. The manor was a self- contained world.
The Town
In the 11th century, the importance of towns grew. Some towns grew so large that walls had to be built around it to protect them. As towns grew, it became more customary for those who made the same kind of product to live near each other, usually on the same street. About once a week, the merchants and craftspeople gathered near the center of town.
The Castle
Early castles served as shelter for a lord and his armies. In case of attack, the castle provided a place of safety for nearby villagers. As it became more common for the lord's family and servants to occupy these castles, more and more buildings were added. Castles became their own worlds and many were like small towns. Blacksmiths, shoemakers, armorers, millers, and other craftspeople lived on the castle grounds.
The Church
The church played a very important role in Medieval society. The powers of the Medieval church were great. It had its own laws and courts. Even kings were afraid to disobey the church for the fear of excommunication. The church also became a major landowner, amassing a great deal of money by collecting rents and fees.
Knights in shining armor
Every boy had to learn how to become a knight even though some never made it. At seven years old, the boy was sent to live with a noble family, often the father's lord, to serve as a page. At 13 or 14 years old, the boy was made a squire and training intensified. He spent his time riding and caring for horses. He also improved his hunting and fighting skills. At 21 years old, he was knighted a special ceremony.
Food
There were many foods to eat in Medieval times. Poor people had to eat dark bread because white bread was for the king and his family. Only rich people had meat to eat. Mutton and beef were very common and vegetables were popular. People liked eating onions, garlic, and herbs the picked from the castle garden. The best way to preserve food was to put salt on it because there were not fridges. There were not plates and forks, so food was placed on flat bread.
Clothing
People usually made their clothes by spinning or weaving cloth. Some bought linen. Wool was very common during this time. Wool was sheared from a sheep and then washed. Rich people wore expensive clothes made from linen or silk. Poor women often wore long dresses made of wool . The colors were very dark- either black or brown. They also wore stockings and leather shoes. Medieval ladies wore clothes made of fine silk, wool, or fur. They were more colorful than the clothes of the poorer people. In the winter she often wore a fur coat or a cape. Only a rich woman could afford jewellery. She wore shoes that had wooden bottoms with leather on top of them. Men often wore tunics and trousers and later on stockings that went up their whole legs. Purple was a popular color for men in the Middle Ages. Fur and velvet were also used a lot on the sides of coats.
Work
Most of the time was spent working trying to grow enough food to last another year. Church feasts marked sowing and reaping days. Occasions meant that peasant and lord could rest from their labors.
Social Activities
Every citizen was expected to attend social activities. Fairs with troubadours and acrobats performed in the streets. Merchants sold goods in the town square. Games of chance were held at the local tavern. Tournaments featured knights from near and far. Medieval weddings caused for the entire town to celebrate.