The Role of noblewomen in the medieval community
Role of Noblewomen:
- Noblewomen as well as noblemen played active roles in this warrior society.
- The "lady" became "lord of the manor" while her husband or father was off fighting.
- She supervised vassals, managed the household, and performed necessary agricultural and medical tasks.
Sometimes she might even have to go to war to defend her estate.
- Noblewomen as well as noblemen played active roles in this warrior society.
- The "lady" became "lord of the manor" while her husband or father was off fighting.
- She supervised vassals, managed the household, and performed necessary agricultural and medical tasks.
Sometimes she might even have to go to war to defend her estate.
Noblewomen in medieval times:
Eleanor of Aquitaine:
- Some medieval noblewomen, like Eleanor of Aquitaine, took a hand in politics.
- Eleanor inherited vast lands in southwestern France.
- Through two marriages, she became, first, queen of France and, later, queen of England.
- For more than 70 years, Eleanor was a leading force in European affairs.
- Eleanor inherited vast lands in southwestern France.
- Through two marriages, she became, first, queen of France and, later, queen of England.
- For more than 70 years, Eleanor was a leading force in European affairs.
Women's rights:
- Women's rights to inheritance were severely restricted under the feudal system.
- Land was usually inherited by the eldest son in a family.
- Women did, however, receive land as part of their dowry, and fierce negotiations swirled around an
unmarried or widowed heiress.
- If her husband died before her, a women regained rights to her husband.
- Land was usually inherited by the eldest son in a family.
- Women did, however, receive land as part of their dowry, and fierce negotiations swirled around an
unmarried or widowed heiress.
- If her husband died before her, a women regained rights to her husband.
The daughter of nobles:
- Like their brothers, the daughters of nobles were sent to friends or relatives for training.
- Before her parents arranged her marriage, a young woman is expected to know how to spin, weave, and
supervise servants. A few learned to read and write.
- As a wife, she was expected to bear many children and be dutiful and loyal to her husband.
- Before her parents arranged her marriage, a young woman is expected to know how to spin, weave, and
supervise servants. A few learned to read and write.
- As a wife, she was expected to bear many children and be dutiful and loyal to her husband.