Noblewomen as well as noblemen played active roles in this warrior society.
The role of the noblewomen
The role of the noblewomen
- The lady become lord of the manor while her husband or father was off fighting.
- They supervised vassals, managed the household, and performed necessary agricultural and medical tasks.
- Sometime they might even have to go to war to defend there estate.
- 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.
- Women's rights to inheritance were severely restricted under the feudal system.
- Lands was usually inherited by the eldest son in the family.
- Women did, however receive lands 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 lands.
- Like their brothers, the daughter of novels were sent to friends or family members for training.
- Before her parents arranger her marriage, a young women was expected to know how to spin, weave, and supervise servants.
- A few learned how to read and write.
- As a wife, she was expected to bear many children and be dutiful and loyal to her husband.
For more information please click on one of the links below
http://partner.galileo.org/schools/gibson/4-5_fp/Projects/nobleladies_group.html
http://www.middle-ages.org.uk/noble-women-in-the-middle-ages.htm
http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20080928193802AAoIkCf