This vivid and pioneering study illuminates the different roles played in late medieval society by noblewomen - the most substantial group of women to survive as individuals in medieval documents. They emerge (despite limited political opportunities) as figures of consequence themselves in a landowning society through estate management in their husbands' frequent absences, and through hospitality, patronage and affinity.

List of tables. Editor's Preface. Preface. Introduction. Chapter 1 Marriage. Chapter 2 The widow and her lands.
Chapter 3 The household. Chapter 4 Lifestyle and travel. Chapter 5 Children, Kinsman and friends. Chapter 6 Estates and revenue. Chapter 7 Lordship and patronage. Chapter 8 Religious practice. Conclusion. Appendix: Glossary of terms. General bibliography. Index.