Marn wrote:
wimlach wrote:
Just note that 'support a knight' might not necessarily refer to the singular individual, but rather to the whole retinue and staff that is required to 'support' the warrior and his household. Steward, cook, squire, valet, clerk (if the knight is without his letters) labourers, etc.
After taking this into account any surplus might not seem so great.
So would the retainers actually get paid? I thought they would work for bed and board. Sorry to sound so ignorant but despite much research it seems that varying economic models were used from place to place and often at the same time period. I just wish to nail down something a bit solid that represents Ellesland.
Thanks for the input.
Unless a slave, payment is made for work, whether in kind, barter or cold coin. Even then, bed and board costs someone - where are these beds? Who pays for the food? The only class that might not receive an actual payment might be children under the 'protection' or apprenticeship of the master, and he would be expected in this case to provide more than just food and board, but also clothing and education.
It's a bit of a dry subject, but a google search for 'historical medieval wages' or a similar term will bring up some research material.