Manorialism was the economic system that organized the rural economy of medieval Europe and is closely linked to feudalism.

The manor, a large agricultural estate controlled by a lord, was the basic economic unit.

The manor was largely self-sufficient, producing its own food, clothing, and tools.

The land on a manor was typically divided into the lord's private land (the demesne), fields cultivated by the peasants, and common lands for grazing.

The majority of the peasant population were serfs, who were legally bound to the land and could not leave without the lord's permission.

Serfs were required to provide labor services on the lord's demesne and pay rent in the form of produce.

In exchange for their labor and rents, the serfs received a plot of land to farm for themselves and the lord's protection.

The three-field system of crop rotation was a key agricultural practice on the manor, improving soil fertility.

The lord of the manor also acted as the local judge and administrator.

Manorialism began to decline after the Black Death, which led to labor shortages and gave surviving peasants greater bargaining power.