Kunigunde, Damsel of the Castle

The right to build castles was reserved for kings and emperors. Members of the lower nobility were only allowed to build castles with the permission of the king – these were mostly small manor houses, after which the owners then called themselves. They had two main functions: for protection and defence as well as a place of administration for the surrounding estate.

The education of the children of the lord of the castle depended on his social rank. While the boys were educated in monasteries, castles of the higher nobility or even at the royal court, girls were mostly educated at home and prepared for their later role as wife and mistress of the castle. One of the most important things they learned was correct housekeeping. For in this function they also had the task of administrating and providing for the castle when the men were absent. In higher circles, the daughters were also allowed to learn handicrafts, art, music, reading and writing.

Many daughters were also sent to other castles to be educated. In that way, noble families were able to make contacts, with whose help they hoped to strengthen their positions. It was quite common for the children to be married to each other in order to ensure the connection with other noble families and to obtain advantages like wealth and landholding.