What is the manor system?

The manor system was a political, economic, and social system that emerged in Europe during the Middle Ages, and it was based on the relationship between lords and peasants. It was the predominant system of land ownership and management during this time and played a significant role in shaping the economic and social structures of medieval Europe.

In the manor system, the lord of the manor owned the land and the peasants who lived and worked on it. The peasants were granted the right to live on the land in exchange for their labor, and they were obligated to provide the lord with various forms of services and tribute, such as rent, taxes, and labor. The lord, in turn, was responsible for providing protection and overseeing the welfare of the peasants.

One example of the manor system can be found in the novel "The Canterbury Tales" by Geoffrey Chaucer. The character of the Reeve is a man who manages the estate of a lord, and he is depicted as being very efficient in his duties. He collects rent and taxes, oversees the work of the peasants, and keeps the estate in good condition. However, he is also portrayed as being a greedy and deceitful character, who takes advantage of the peasants under his care.

Overall, the manor system was a complex and hierarchical system that played a significant role in the social and economic development of medieval Europe. It was a system that favored the lords, who held most of the power and wealth, while the peasants who lived and worked on the land had limited opportunities for upward mobility.