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JuWan Torregano
Ms. Tierce
ELA IV
20 February 2015
Rights of High Ranking Women in the Middle Ages

Since the beginning of time men have always been believed to be more dominant than
women. Womens rights were little to nonexistent, whereas they were considered property by
society. Belonging to their father or husband during the Middle Ages no matter the social class,
even women of power, had no authority to make decisions.
The Council of Epaon of 517 AD prohibited women from acquiring leadership positions
such as priesthood, deaconesses and bishops which were restricted to men (Nobility). Instead
they had to enter as nuns or sisters. The only advantage of entering the convent was being able to
study and gain knowledge. This was a rare privilege for any woman even in upper class. A
sacrifice that had to be made to enter was to never marry or bear children whereas it was custom
to almost all women in the middle ages. Queens and princesses were in a higher social class.
Queens played second in command to kings, serving as a regent when the king wasnt in position
to rule. Also the Lady of the manor was a figure of authority. This was only activated when her
husband was away. It gave her the supreme power to rule over the land as her word was law.
Princesses married off to princes in other countries to ensure a stable economic and political
relationship.
Noble women werent educated to gain knowledge, but to gain manners and etiquette. At
a young age they were sent off to live with a noble family that could teach them the customs
(Women in the Middle Ages). Time was spent riding horses, learning to dance, and practicing

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archery. Novices were expected to act as servants to the older ladies in the castle. Duties
performed included helping the ladies of the castle with their dressing and supervising the
upbringing of children. Royal females were allowed to get and education but they had to be
homeschooled (Nobel Women in the Middle Ages). Any education a woman could obtain was
designed to help her in becoming a good wife and mother in the future.
Women from rich families married earlier than those from poor ones. During this time
ladies of a higher rank were prepared for marriage. Meanwhile, high ranking ladies took on the
role of ladies in waiting. They were taught principles of the Medieval Code of Chivalry and
Courtly Love (Medieval Ages- article). They were even taught the language of the wealthy,
French. Marriage for love was exceedingly rare; nobles had little to no choice in who their
husband would be. Marriage was arranged by the family so both sides of the family tree would
benefit. This commencement had nothing to do with love, but all to do with alliances and
accumulating wealth (Noble Women in the Middle Ages). This arrangement would bring prestige
and wealth to all. A wealthy marriage was celebrated with nine days of feasting and jousting.
Brides were expected to bring a certain amount of money, goods, and property to the marriage.
The husband had full rights over his wife no matter her ranking, she was considered property.
According to the article Women in the Middle Ages explains how divorce was rare and was
only permitted by breaking one of the three laws made by the church which were age, consent,
and consanguinity. Men could have used the third law and could have had a divorce with his wife
by lying that she was actually related to her (to the forth degree, marriage between relatives were
not allowed). However, women barely had the privilege to have caused divorce by this method.
Being married with kids was a top priority of women in the middle ages. Having a son
would be the greatest treasure to bring into the world. A son meant symbolized the next great

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ruler, he would be able to take over his fathers legacy. Women of a rich background didnt look
after her family, it was often left to a nurse to take care of. The nurse would usually come from a
poor background. She would responsible of looking after the kids and completing her daily work.
As children were being taken care of, the mothers had plenty of leisure time. During their leisure
they had opportunity to develop musical skills, paint, and read (if she had access to texts).
Theres not much any female had the right to pursue to better herself.
Considered soulless creatures. Considered pieces of chess whose husbands made every
move for her? Considered nothing more than property. No matter the social class, women were
both restricted by their sex and seen as inferior by men and society today. In todays society
women want to be just as powerful as men. Pushing for our own independence, trying to capture
every opportunity we can, we strive to great and provide for ourselves. Until this day there is still
controversy between the dominance of a male and how it effects females, but we have created a
drive to change society and its injustices.

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Works Cited

Cantor, Norman F. The Encyclopedia of the Middle Ages. New York: Viking, 1999. Print
Medieval Ages Medieval Ages-articles, Resources, Pictures. Medieval Women- Status and
Education of Women in Middle Ages. Web. 6 Feb.2015.
Newman, Simon. Women in the Middle Ages. Women in the Middle Ages. The Finer Times.
Web. 6 Feb. 2015
Noble Women in the Middle Ages. Noble Women in the Middle Ages. Siteseen Ltd, 1 June
2014. Web. 6 Feb 2015.
Pattie, Tammie. Nobility. Medieval People, Titles, Positions, Trades & Classes. Medieval
People. 2011. Web. 6 Feb. 2015