Manors
Manors were the center of the feudal system in Europe. Manors themselves were not castles, but many did have one. They had to be self-sufficient, that means that they had to be able to produce enough food for the whole manor. The manors were actually owned by kings. The kings would give pieces of land, called fiefs, to nobles. In return the nobles would pledge loyalty to the king.
The Middle Ages in Europe was a very dangerous place. So, with the manor system, everyone benefited. Most manors were protected by knights, or vassals. The knights in return would be awarded land from the noble. Then there were peasants, or serfs, that would work on the land and supply food in return for protection from the noble. It was really a give-take system.
The Middle Ages in Europe was a very dangerous place. So, with the manor system, everyone benefited. Most manors were protected by knights, or vassals. The knights in return would be awarded land from the noble. Then there were peasants, or serfs, that would work on the land and supply food in return for protection from the noble. It was really a give-take system.
An old Medieval manor house
An old manor house. Notice the moat near the bottom.
An old manor house that is now in an suburban area.