Where did food come from in 1066?

It's impossible to give a concise answer to "where did food come from in 1066" because it's a very broad question. It would be like asking "where did food come from in 2023". To answer your question comprehensively, we need to break it down into several parts:

1. Where was food grown?

* England: In 1066, England was primarily an agricultural society. Most food came from local farms and gardens. The main crops grown included:

* Wheat: Used for bread, the staple food of the time.

* Barley: Used for beer and porridge.

* Oats: Used for animal feed and oatcakes.

* Rye: Used for bread, especially for poorer people.

* Beans: Used for soups and stews.

* Peas: Used for soups and stews.

* Turnips: Used as a vegetable and for livestock.

* Onions: Used as a vegetable and for flavoring.

* Other sources:

* Fishing: Fish was an important source of protein, especially for coastal communities.

* Hunting and gathering: Wild animals and plants provided additional food sources.

* Trade: Some foods, like spices and fruits, were imported from other countries.

2. Who grew and produced food?

* Peasants and farmers: Most food was produced by peasants who worked the land for a lord or landowner.

* Monasteries and churches: Many monasteries and churches had their own farms and gardens.

* Towns: Towns had markets where farmers could sell their produce and where people could purchase food from other sources.

3. How was food distributed?

* Local markets: Peasants and farmers sold their produce in local markets.

* Manorial systems: Peasants often worked on manors and received a portion of the crops they grew.

* Trade: Some foods were traded between regions and countries.

4. What did people eat?

* Bread: The staple food for most people, made from wheat or rye.

* Porridge: A common breakfast food, made from barley or oats.

* Beans and peas: Used in soups and stews.

* Vegetables: Turnips, onions, and other vegetables were part of the diet.

* Meat: Limited for most people, but included beef, pork, and mutton.

* Fish: A significant source of protein, especially for coastal communities.

* Cheese: A common food, often made from sheep or goat milk.

5. What were the challenges to food production and distribution?

* Weather: England's weather could be unpredictable, which could affect crop yields.

* Disease: Crop diseases and animal diseases could cause food shortages.

* Warfare: Wars and conflicts could disrupt food production and distribution.

* Poverty: Many people lived in poverty and had limited access to food.

Remember, this is just a brief overview. The food system in 1066 was complex and varied, and there is much more to learn about it.