Manor or Manorial Estate
A manor or manorial estate was a self-sufficient agricultural estate in medieval Europe. It was a unit of territorial organization in the feudal system, where a lord granted land to vassals in exchange for loyalty and military service. The manor was the heart of the feudal economy and society during this period.

Key Characteristics of a Manor
- **Land Ownership:** The lord of the manor owned the land, while peasants worked the land in exchange for protection and a share of the harvest.
- **Self-Sufficiency:** The manor was designed to be self-sufficient, with its own fields, pastures, orchards, and forests to provide for the needs of the inhabitants.
- **Manor House:** The lord of the manor lived in a large manor house, which served as the administrative center of the estate.
- **Villages:** The manor often included one or more villages where the peasants lived and worked.
- **Serfs:** The peasants who worked the land were often serfs, who were bound to the land and could not leave without the lord's permission.

Organization of a Manor
- **Manorial Court:** The lord of the manor held a manorial court to administer justice, collect taxes, and resolve disputes among the inhabitants.
- **Manorial System:** The manor operated on a system of feudal obligations, where peasants provided labor and goods in exchange for protection and land to work.
- **Manorial Economy:** The manor produced agricultural goods, such as grains, livestock, and wool, which were used for consumption and trade.
- **Social Hierarchy:** The manor was organized hierarchically, with the lord at the top, followed by knights, peasants, and serfs.
In conclusion, a manor or manorial estate was a central institution in medieval feudal society, where land was the basis of power and wealth, and the lord of the manor held authority over the inhabitants through a system of feudal obligations.