by Allan M. Heller

Created on: August 14, 2008

Peasant life in the Middle Ages was dominated by serfdom, which bound people to the land that they were forced to work for the lord of their manor. Peasants farmers gave most of their yield to their lord, a portion to the Church, and kept the rest for their own sustenance. The feudal hierarchy had serfs at the bottom, below vassals, who were given land by an overlord a duke, earl or king- in exchange for their loyalty and military service. If a manor was transferred to a new vassal, the serfs were transferred with it, and could not leave without their lord's permission. Although not much better off than slaves, serfs could not be sold, and were entitled to their lord's protection.

Not all Medieval peasants were serfs, however. Many lived in small villages, and worked as innkeepers, craftsmen and laborers. Some were freemen, who, although far beneath the nobility, nevertheless were better off than the serfs.

Although their life was arduous, often consisting of 12 to 15-hour workdays, Medieval peasants took the Sabbath off, and celebrated numerous holidays and religious feasts during the year. They drank, gambled and caroused when they could (International World History Project).

Children were forced to grow up quickly, but they usually had the opportunity to attend church-sponsored schools until they were about six or seven. Afterwards they prepared for learning domestic chores such as weaving, laundering or churning butter, or working the fields or practicing a trade, depending on whether they were female or male. Due to disease, starvation and the hardships of daily existence, infant mortality was very high. Childbirth also took a heavy toll on mothers.

Women had virtually no rights, and were considered their husbands' property. Short of killing her, a husband could treat his wife however he wanted. Because daughters required a dowry, or payment given to a husband in exchange for marrying her, sons were more desirable (MNSU). Dowry might consist of money, but just as often was in the form of livestock or property.

Living accommodations were far from glamorous for Medieval peasants, and usually consisted of a mud and stone cottage with a thatched roof, and one or two rooms. A constant fire burned in the center of a floor, and the family slept on simple straw beds, often in the same room with sheep, goats or other livestock. Although most lived in poverty, occasionally peasants who worked hard or enjoyed good fortune could acquire a surplus of crops, additional livestock, or extra cooking pots, utensils or even simple furniture.

Like the present times, the Middle Ages were plagued with warfare, and battling nobles often burned and pillaged one another's manors and villages, with the result that many peasants lost their lives, homes and property. In the event of war, peasant men were required to assist their lord, usually by joining the local militia.

Works Cited

"Feudalism." Webster's New World Dictionary of American English. 3rd College
Edition. 1988.

"Fief," "Serf." The Dictionary of Cultural Literacy. 1993.

"Daily Life." Minnesota State University Mankato. 14 Aug. 2008
.

"The Peasant's Life." International World History Project. 2001. 14 Aug. 2008.
.

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