The Castle
Within the castle was a building called the keep where the nobleman and his family lived. The King and Queen were the only ones with private rooms or beds in the keep. The others slept in one room and most of the time on the floor. The castle consisted of a great hall that served as an office, dining room and dance hall. The upper floors contained bedrooms for the lord and his family. Nobles’ families had sitting rooms called solars where the family gathered to play games and listen to music. There were stables and a large kitchen, both of which were staffed by servants. Castles were generally quite smoky. A central fire area with a hole in the roof was standard. Perhaps some carpets, called tapestries, hung on the walls, but the floors were often dirt-covered with dried grass and reeds, or were made of stone. Dogs generally were allowed to go anywhere. By today’s standards, we would find the cleanliness of a medieval castle to be very bad.
What did they eat?
Medieval menus may have included fowl, such as geese, capons, geese, chicken and quail. Celebrants would also dine on meats such as beef, lamb, and pork, while those living near bodies of water may have feasted on herring, salmon, eels and fresh water fish. Nobles and wealthier parties pay the premium for large quantities of milled flour and grain-based meals. Cheese, butter and other dairy products could be seen on the feast table. Guests may have feasted on other dishes like oysters steamed in almond milk, spicy mulled wine, stewed cabbage, and tarts and custards. Society at a medieval feast rarely used utensils and would eat with their fingers. The party lasted all night, and since little food could be preserved, no one wanted to leave until all the food had been
eaten. Most guest would end up falling asleep in the hall.
eaten. Most guest would end up falling asleep in the hall.
Music
Medieval music was an integral part of everyday life for the people of that time period. Music of the Middle Ages was especially popular during times of celebration and festivities. Medieval music had many different musical instruments including, recorders, horns, trumpets, whistles, bells, and drums. People during the Middle Ages also ate to the sound of traditional music during and between meal courses. They would also, at times play from a specially-built platform or stage at the end of the Great Hall. It was believed in those days that medieval music was not only delightful to the ears, but it also helped in the digestion of food, hence the reason for music at mealtimes.