Demesne - GCSE History Definition

In GCSE History, the word 'demesne' means the land that a lord kept for himself on a medieval manor. Unlike the rest of the land, which was rented out to peasants, the demesne was used to grow food and raise animals just for the lord and his household. The best land — like good fields, meadows, and woodland — was usually part of the demesne. It was worked by peasants or serfs, who had to do free labour for the lord as part of the feudal system. Under William the Conqueror, the system of land ownership became much more controlled. Norman sheriffs collecting geld tax and monitored the king's demesne. This helped William keep tight control over England and made the feudal system stronger. Understanding what the demesne was helps students learn how land, power, and labour were connected in medieval society.