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What were the primary materials used for constructing village houses in medieval times?
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Village houses were constructed from low stone walls, thatched roofs, timber, wattle, and daub.
Explain the steward's role in a medieval village.
The steward ran the manor in the lord's absence, overseeing its operations.
What were the main threats to daily life for medieval peasants?
The main threats included starvation and plague.
What agricultural and construction resources did medieval villagers rely on?
Villagers relied on cereal crops for agriculture and used woodlands for fuel, building materials, and hunting (privileged).
What was the impact of the Black Death on medieval village life?
The Black Death (1346-1353) caused 30-60% of the population to die, leading to labor shortages, higher demands from peasants for wages and better conditions, revolts, socioeconomic shifts, and deserted villages by the 16th century.
Describe the living arrangements and common village forms for peasants in medieval villages.
Medieval village forms included clustered houses around a lord's manor, scattered hamlets, and individual farmsteads.
What determined the variations in life among different medieval villages?
Life varied by village and person, depending on class and role in society.
How did peasants' diets typically vary throughout the year?
Peasants' diets primarily consisted of bread, pottage, communal cows' milk, butter, and cheese, with meat being a rare inclusion.
Describe the main changes in social structure and village life post-Black Death.
Post-Black Death, the social structure shifted with peasants assuming higher roles and village life undergoing significant changes, including decreased populations and economic adjustments.
Identify the roles of trade workers in a medieval village.
Trade workers in a medieval village included bakers, millers, and blacksmiths.
How did religion influence the daily routine of medieval peasants?
Peasants were highly religious, attended church daily, and their time was governed by church activities such as saints' days and church bells marking the hours.
What were the primary duties and restrictions of serfs in a medieval village?
Serfs were legally free but bound to the land, could not move away, paid rents and taxes to the lord, and primarily worked farming cereal crops such as wheat, barley, and rye.
How was a serf's work organized in the fields?
Fields were worked in rotation and divided into strips.
What roles did high-ranking officials such as the steward and bailiff play in the operation of a medieval village?
The steward ran the manor in the lord's absence, and the bailiff supervised agricultural work.
What was the purpose of the frank pledge law system in medieval villages?
The frank pledge law system facilitated self-governance and maintained communal order.
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