Welcome, Debbie Lynne Costello,

Author of 

"Sword of Forgiveness"

(CONTEST!)

Welcome to my blog, Debbie! I'm excited to introduce you to my readers and friends, and I'm looking forward to sharing about your writing. Thank you so much for taking the time to join me!

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Thanks so much for having me on your blog, Nancee! I’m excited to be here and share with your readers about my new release and looking forward to chatting with them. 

Sword of Forgiveness is a medieval romance (inspirational of course!) set in 1398. I thought I’d share some of what medieval life was like during that time period. 

First to dispel a couple myths. By the 11th century William the Conqueror had put a stop to private warfare by neighboring barons. In other words, an English baron could not lay siege to another’s castle just because he wanted it or its riches. 

Another myth is with betrothals. They were a legal and binding contract and not as easy to break as our modern day engagement. One could not just say, “I’ve changed my mind.” 

Now on to medieval life. 

Medieval life in the castles started early. At the break of dawn to be precise. The household was roused from their pallets in the attic and cellars. Servants had fires to light in the kitchen and great hall. Knights and men-at-arms were headed to the walls and towers to relieve the night shift of their duty. 

The lord and lady dressed for the day. The lady putting on makeup. Yes, it’s true. The ladies wore cosmetics—sheep fat, and rouge and skin whiteners. After readying themselves they had mass in the chapel and then the household broke their fast with bread that was washed down with wine or ale. 

Routine tasks were next on the list. The lord would make his round of meetings with his members of council, bailiffs, and stewards. Depending on if they had guests or not, the lady 
would visit with her guests or would embroider or do other domestic jobs. Knights and squires practiced in the fields fencing and mock war. Children did their lessons under the guidance of a tutor and when they finished their schoolwork they were allowed to play. 


Some of the things the children played with were dolls for the girls and boys played with tops, balls, horseshoes, bows and arrows. (Do you all notice there seems to be a lot more variety for the boys?!) 

Grooms swept out the stables and fed the horses while the smith busied himself making horseshoes, nails, and wagon fittings. The domestic servants had chamber pots and basins to empty. The laundress soaked the tablecloths, towels, and sheets with wood ash and caustic soda, before pounding them, rinsing them, then hanging them to dry. The cook and his staff were hard at work turning the spits of meat, preparing soups, custards, breads and other food for the day’s meals. 

Dinner was usually between 10 a.m. and noon. During the meals there was entertainment such as musicians, jugglers, and jesters. After the dinner meal they returned either to their tasks or to some amusement. Supper was a lighter meal and was served in late afternoon. There were also late suppers just before bedtime but they were frowned on by some as giving rise to gluttony and waste. 

The household retired early. The chamberland prepared his lord for bed. Below is an excerpt from manuals for household management in how to prepare a lord for bed taken from 
Life in a Medieval Castle by Gies. 

Take off his robe and bring him a mantle to keep him from cold, then bring him to the fire and take off his shoes and his hose… then comb his head, then spread down his bed, lay the head sheet and the pillows, and when your sovereign is in bed, draw the curtains… Then drive out dog or cat, and see that there be basin and urinal set near your sovereign, then take your leave mannerly that your sovereign may take his rest merrily. 


I hope you enjoyed learning a little bit about the medieval life. 

*Tell me something that really surprised you about medieval life or something that you found interesting or ask me a question about my book to be entered to win your choice of an ebook or paperback. 

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Thank you for this enlightening information, Debbie! I wasn't familiar with midieval practices, so this has been very informative for me. Thank you also for offering a copy of your book to those who comment regarding either midieval life or your recent release, "Sword of Forgiveness."

CONTEST GUIDELINES: Please leave a comment and your email address using [at] and [dot] to protect your email address. Giveaways are limited to residents of the continental US only, please. I am not responsible for loss or damage through the postal service. Winners have one week to claim their prizes. Thank you so much for visiting my blog! I appreciate all of your comments!

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