ariel_view
Arial view of deserted village of Newbold Grounds (Gies Life 130). Notice that you can see the thin strips of arable as well as the sites of houses, tofts, and crofts.
Manor house 1200
Manor House at Boothby Pagnell (Lincolnshire) c. 1200 (Gies Life 54). Although small by later medieval standards, this manor is still more substantial than even a wealthy peasant cottage. It is built of stone and appears to have a slate roof.
Bayleaf Farmstead
Bayleaf is a 15th century farmstead. It would have been occupied by a wealthy peasant farmer. Notice that the house has 4 bays. (Bays are typically 15 feet square).
Hall of Bayleaf
Central hearth in the two bay long hall. Notice that the windows have wooden louvers and shutters rather than glass. The walls are hung with material to cut down on the drafts.
Benches at Bayleaf
The benches are reproductions of actual medieval benches. The pitcher and cup are both made out of boiled leather. They are sealed with pitch to make them water proof.
Bayleaf Floorplan
Service Entry in Bayleaf
Doorways to the stairs the buttery and the pantry.
Buttery in Bayleaf
The buttery (so named because it holds butts or barrels) is used to store barrels of ale, hanging meats, and other raw foods. The Pantry or Milkhouse is where milk products are processed, such as butter and cheese. It is also used for preparing bread and salting meat.
Spinning Wheel in Solar
A great wheel or "wool" wheel in the downstairs room of the solar.