What is a manor house?
Q: What is a manor house?
A: A manor house is a country house that has historically formed the centre of a manor, or estate. It was typically owned by a feudal lord and occupied only on occasional visits.
Q: What features did many manor houses have?
A: Many manor houses were partly fortified with walls or ditches, and had small gatehouses and watchtowers. The main feature of the manor house was its great hall.
Q: How did some large manors in France enjoy protection?
A: In western France provinces of Brittany and Normandy, certain large manors enjoyed real means of protection such as fortifications.
Q: When did many country mansions begin to acquire the character and amenities of residences for country gentlemen?
A: By the beginning of the 16th century, many country mansions began to acquire the character and amenities of residences for country gentlemen.
Q: What are two French words used to describe a strongly fortified manor house?
A: Two French words used to describe a strongly fortified manor house are château or maison-forte.
Q: How can the term 'manor' be used today?
A: Today, the term 'manor' or 'manor house' is often used outside Europe to mean simply either a country house or any other kind of residence considered to resemble one without any reference to age or historical sense.
