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In the Middle Ages, a villein was a peasant who, under the feudal system of land tenure that prevailed in Europe in the Middle Ages, paid dues and services to a lord in exchange for land. Villeins were not slaves, and were named as freemen and freewomen in medieval documents, however they were not free. They, and their land and possessions belonged to the lord of the manor. They were not free to leave the manor, and they were subject to a very large number of obligations required by the lord, including work on the lord's land two or three days a week, additional work at harvest, and the payment of manorial dues. In lots of places they also had to pay for the right to brew ale, bake bread, and grind corn at the mill, that was probably owned by the lord.
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What is a medieval Villein?
A villein in the medieval times was a step up from slavery, had to do hardworking chores and didn't get paid much.
What did villein women do?
A villeins wife used to spend most of her time running the house hold and followed a similar schedule to her lord, this might be her husband, brother or father.
What were peasant laborers called during the manorial system?
The laborers in the manorial system were mostly serfs.
What is a description of the feudal contract?
Feudal Contract (with reference to a knight) 1. Pledge to loyalty and military service2. Pay ransom if he is taken prisoner3. Attend some ceremonies such as marriages and funerals4. Be on the lord's court to administer justice5. Collected the taxes for the lord6. Lived by a code of honor and chivalry
