The home was most women’s sphere of responsibility and authority, and this was viewed as a divinely mandated arrangement.

Wealthy wives managed the servants, looked to the defense of the castle, were responsible for supplying the castle, entertained visitors, and were in charge of the estate’s finances (particularly when their husbands were away on business, politics, or war).

The early medieval aristocracy lived in mott and bailey castles (fortifications plus a moat), later preferring more manorial and private, less fortified homes.

Everything – eating, sleeping, conducting business - happened in the long central hall, which contained little furniture.  Only the lord and lady had a private apartment (or solar).

The household rose and retired with the sun, as candles were costly and feeble. 

Clothes evolved from simple loose tunics of homespun cloth to elaborate constructions whose sleeves swept the ground and whose headdresses were taller than most doorways.

Fabrics available in the later Middle Ages included silk, cotton, velvet, brocade, damask, linen, and taffeta.