School Days
Most noble children were educated in the Middle Ages. While they did not go to a school, many young boys were sent off to another nobleman’s home to learn a specific skill. If children remained at home, they were usually taught by a religious monk. They were taught to read and write in Latin. Boys were taught archery and combat while girls learned how to sew. Boys and girls learned how to play chess and how to dance. Many noble children learned to play a musical instrument and some boys even learned how to write music. Some musical instruments played were the lute, the flute, and the harp.
Peasant Life
If you were born into poverty during the middle ages, life would have been very difficult. Many children born in poor homes did not live to see their second birthdays. Food was scarce for the poor and many children were malnourished. When a young child died, he or she was often buried in the yard, much like we bury family pets today. Parents did not really become close with their children because it was unlikely that they would live very long.
Nobility
If you were born the child of a king or nobleman during the Middle Ages like Gisela, Adele, and Isabelle,you would have had a much happier life. Children of the nobility lived in castles and were, in general, much safer than children of the lower classes. Because the living conditions were better, noble children had a much greater chance of survival. Over half of the children born during the Middle Ages, did not live to be ten years old.
Castle Life
Medieval castles were homes and fortresses. They were designed to protect the lord who became much stronger and longer-lasting when they were built with stone.
Within the castle, you might find a Guard Hall. The Guard Hall was where soldiers and servants would spend their time. It was often their living room, dining room, and bedroom all in one! Windows were usually covered with wooden shutters. Around the 13th century, windows began to have glass panes. There was usually a fireplace or hearth in the Guard Hall that was used for cooking and heating.
