Chapter 2: Life under the Normans

Castellans

The governor of a castle.

Ecclesiastical

Of or relating to the Church.

Freemen

A tenant-worker who was free and paid rent for their land - rather than giving service. They could move to other villages/towns if they wanted.

Lord of the manor

The owner of the manor house and the land in the village (and possibly surrounding areas).

Marcher Lords

The border regions of England were known as the marches. The lords who controlled them therefore became known as the Marcher Lords.

Sheriff

An official of a shire charged primarily with judicial duties.

Shires

A subdivision of a county.

Tenants

A person who occupies land or property owned by another.

Apprentice

A person who works for another in order to learn a trade.

Burgesses

A freeman or citizen of an English borough. They often had some authority or privileges.

Cottars

A peasant or farm labourer who occupies a cottage and sometimes a small holding of land usually in return for services.

Guilds

Associations of craftsmen and merchants formed to promote the economic interests of their members as well as to provide protection and mutual aid

Journeyman

A person who had fully served an apprenticeship in a trade or craft and now works for someone else.

Pottage

A soup made from beans and peas and flavoured with herbs.

Apothecaries

Sold remedies made from herbs and plants.

Barbers

They cut hair, extracted teeth and amputated limbs of poor people.

Carpenters

A person who makes and repairs wooden objects and structures.

Moneylenders

A person whose business is lending money to others who pay interest.

Armourers

A person who makes, repairs, and supplies weapons.

Bakers

Bread was the staple food but some bakers would cheat their customers so their food was subject to strict laws.

Blacksmiths

Made a tools and weapons (usually with iron) and earned a good living.