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The role of women in medieval society was secondary to that of men and there were few opportunities open to women. For the wealthy there used to be two chances: marriage or nunnery. Marriages were often arranged by fathers to secure or increase the family wealth. That's why child brides were common and most girls were married at 14. |
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For a peasant girl whose father wasn't a free man, fate was even harder as permission to marry had to be asked to the feudal lord. In some countries, and for some time, the feudal lord had the prima notte right, or the right to sleep the first night, the wedding night, with the bride. Apart from that, widows used to be sent to convents and their lands confiscated. However, by the late Middle Ages a guild master's widow could run her dead husband's business. |
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Wives were expected to obey their husbands and to be faithful in their absence. To make sure they did, some made their wives wear a chastity belt. However, during the 12th century, the art of courtly love was started by Duke William IX of Aquitaine, the first of the troubadours. This kind of love was meant to be romantic and show passion and courtesy in the songs which men sang to their lovers; it was like placing women on a pedestal. So, a knight who was in love with a lady might hope to enjoy her favours by distinguishing himself in real combat or sometimes fighting in tournaments for the hand of this lady. Gardens were, then, the ideal setting for love watchers. Young girls from aristocratic families were usually chaperoned by a woman servant at such encounters. |
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Answer the following questions:
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