Females in the Fellowship - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

Morwen Tindomerel · 04-21-2003, 09:00 AM

It should be pointed out that in the Middle Ages there was not the firm line between home and public life that exists today.

Craftsmen and merchants worked out of their homes and their wives were very much a part of the family business, in fact some guilds allowed them membership. Noblewomen managed the family estates, took over their husbands' official duties in their absence, and on occasion commanded military actions in defense of home and family. Some women, both common and gentle, even accompanied their men on crusade.

This is not to say Earendil is wrong, he's absolutely right in saying that women's role was primarily domestic, just that the domestic sphere was rather wider in those days than 'Children, Church and Kitchen.

04-21-2003, 09:00 AM	#34
Morwen Tindomerel Wight Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Minas Anor or Annuminas the Golden Posts: 187	It should be pointed out that in the Middle Ages there was not the firm line between home and public life that exists today. Craftsmen and merchants worked out of their homes and their wives were very much a part of the family business, in fact some guilds allowed them membership. Noblewomen managed the family estates, took over their husbands' official duties in their absence, and on occasion commanded military actions in defense of home and family. Some women, both common and gentle, even accompanied their men on crusade. This is not to say Earendil is wrong, he's absolutely right in saying that women's role was primarily domestic, just that the domestic sphere was rather wider in those days than 'Children, Church and Kitchen.