The Making Of Manners And Morals In Twelfth Century England - Unveiling the Secrets of Medieval Etiquette

In the vast tapestry of history, the twelfth century stands as a crucial period where society in England experienced remarkable shifts in its manners and morals. This era witnessed the rise of chivalry, the development of courtly romance, and the blossoming of religious fervor. Understanding the making of manners and morals in twelfth century England can help us gain valuable insights into the foundations and practices of society during that time. In this article, we will explore the key aspects that shaped the etiquette of this fascinating period.

The Role of the Church

One cannot discuss twelfth century manners and morals without acknowledging the undeniable influence of the Church. As medieval society revolved around religious beliefs, the Church played a central role in defining and reinforcing proper behavior. The clergy heavily emphasized the virtues of humility, piety, and respect for authority. These teachings permeated every facet of society, from the noble courts to the humble homes of peasants.

Feudalism and Courtly Love

Feudalism, the dominant social structure of the twelfth century, shaped the code of conduct and manners prevalent at the time. Nobles enjoyed privileged positions and were expected to exemplify chivalry and honor. Knights adhered to a strict set of rules known as the "Code of Chivalry," which emphasized bravery, loyalty, and protection of the weak. Additionally, courtly love emerged as a key aspect of noble etiquette, emphasizing romantic devotion and refined manners between the sexes.

The Making of Manners and Morals in Twelfth-Century England: The Book of the Civilised Man

by Anthony D. Smith (1st Edition, Kindle Edition)

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2848 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	244 pages
Paperback	:	400 pages
Item Weight	:	1.19 pounds

FREE

Social Hierarchy and Etiquette

Twelfth century England was a society deeply entrenched in hierarchy. Each individual's position in society determined their rights, obligations, and appropriate manners. The feudal system ensured that each person knew their place and adhered to the customs and protocols suitable for their social standing. Nobles enjoyed elaborate banquets and extravagant events, while the common folk observed more modest manners in their daily interactions.

Education and Etiquette

Education in the twelfth century played a pivotal role in shaping one's manners and morals. For the nobility, education focused on intellectual refinement, rhetoric, and the arts. Young nobles were sent to prestigious institutions to learn the intricacies of courtly behavior and proper etiquette. On the other hand, peasants received agricultural and practical education, which dictated their manners within their rural communities.

The Importance of Manners

Manners during the twelfth century were more than just superficial niceties. They reflected one's character, upbringing, and social status. Proper manners demonstrated respect for others, adherence to societal norms, and a person's ability to navigate the complex web of social interactions. Manners were a reflection of one's moral fiber and were highly valued in twelfth century England.

The Development of Morals

Morals in twelfth century England were deeply rooted in religious teachings. The Church taught that morality was essential for salvation and that individuals must strive to live virtuous lives. Sexual purity, honesty, and faithfulness were highly prized qualities. However, it is important to note that societal expectations and reality often clashed, leading to a complex tapestry of moral choices and compromises.

The twelfth century was a transformative period for English society, and the making of manners and morals during this era left a lasting impact. Understanding the etiquette of this time helps us appreciate the intricacies of medieval life, the values that governed interactions between individuals, and the moral framework that shaped their decisions. By peering into the past, we gain a deeper understanding of our own modern manners and morals.

The Making of Manners and Morals in Twelfth-Century England: The Book of the Civilised Man

by Anthony D. Smith (1st Edition, Kindle Edition)

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2848 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	244 pages
Paperback	:	400 pages
Item Weight	:	1.19 pounds

FREE

How different are we from those in the past? Or, how different do we think we are from those in the past? Medieval people were more dirty and unhygienic than us – as novels, TV, and film would have us believe – but how much truth is there in this notion? This book seeks to challenge some of these preconceptions by examining medieval society through rules of conduct, and specifically through the lens of a medieval Latin text entitled The Book of the Civilised Man – or Urbanus magnus – which is attributed to Daniel of Beccles.

Urbanus magnus is a twelfth-century poem of almost 3,000 lines which comprehensively surveys the day-to-day life of medieval society, including issues such as moral behaviour, friendship, marriage, hospitality, table manners, and diet. Currently, it is a neglected source for the social and cultural history of daily life in medieval England, but by incorporating modern ideas of disgust and taboo, and merging anthropology, sociology, and archaeology with history, this book aims to bring it to the fore, and to show that medieval people did have standards of behaviour. Although they may seem remote to modern ‘civilised’ people, there is both continuity and change in human behaviour throughout the centuries.