Role Of Noblewomen
Noblewomen as well as Noblemen played active roles in this warrior society. The "lady" became the "lord of the manor" while her husband or father was off fighting. She supervised vassals, managed the households and performed necessary agricultural and medical tasks. Sometimes she might even have to go war to defend her estate. Women's rights to inheritance were severely restricted under the feudal system. Land was usually inherited by the eldest son in the family. Women did, however, receive land as part of their dory, and fierce negotiations swirled around an unmarried or widowed heiress. If her husband died before her, a women regained rights to her land. Like their brothers, the daughters of nobles were sent to friends or relatives for training. Before her parents arranged her marriage, a young woman was expected to know hoe to spin, weave, and supervise servants. A few learned to read and write. As a wife she was expected to bear many children and be dutiful and loyal to her husband. Chivalry raised women to a new status. The code of Chivalry called for women to be protected and cherished. Troubadours, or wandering poets, adopted this view. Their love songs praised for perfection, beauty, and wit of women throughout the ages.