What was housing like in the

Housing in medieval Europe varied greatly depending on the social status and wealth of the individual.

Nobles

- Lived in large castles or manor houses

- Built of stone, with thick walls and towers

- Had many rooms, including a great hall, kitchen, bedrooms, and chapel

- Often surrounded by a moat or other defensive structures

Merchants and Artisans

- Lived in smaller houses or apartments in towns and cities

- Houses were typically made of wood or stone

- Had multiple floors and rooms, but were not as spacious as noble homes

Peasants

- Lived in small cottages in rural areas

- Cottages were typically made of wattle and daub (a mixture of mud, straw, and animal dung)

- Had only one or two rooms, and were often shared by multiple families

Housing Conditions

- Housing conditions were generally poor throughout medieval Europe

- Houses were often damp, dark, and unsanitary

- People often slept on straw mattresses or animal skins, and there was little furniture

- Windows were often small or nonexistent, and houses were heated by a central fireplace or stove

Improvements in Housing

- In the later Middle Ages, housing conditions began to improve for some people

- More houses were built of stone, which was more durable and less likely to catch fire

- Windows became larger and more common, and houses were better heated

- These improvements made housing more comfortable and healthier for people