Den lokala makten - en jämförande studie av byggnadsskicket på befästa småländska huvudgårdar

Abstract

This is an attempt to find common features between six manors from the Middle Age in Småland. They are all fortified by means of an isolated location on islands and islets. This was a social centre where local lordship was exercised. The giant buildings were made of wood and a big timber tower above a large cellar often manifesting the manor´s lordship over the area. The tax, paid by the peasants in meat, butter, skin, iron or tar, was transported and sold. The findings are mostly from buildings such as hinges and nails. Surprisingly, there are very little pottery and personal equipment.