Chapter 3.4: Life in the Countryside

The most important growth articles were rye and barley. Rye bread has remained the most popular type of bread. Oats and wheat were less common.

Most farms had small gardens, where turnips, cabbages, radishes, turnips, beets, carrots, peas, beans and onions were grown. Fruit gardens were rare, but people could have had a few apple trees and berry bushes.

Cows, goats, sheep, pigs and horses were the main animals on the farm.

People also hunted rabbits, elk, wild goats, wild boars and sometimes even bears. Fishing was more important than hunting though, both saltwater fish and freshwater fish were consumed.

Most necessary consumer goods were crafted on the farm.

In addition to working in the field of their farm, peasants were also required to work on the field of the manor for a certain number of days in a year. By the end of the mediaeval era, each peasant had to dedicate about 45 days a year to the manor. In addition, a portion of all produce grown on the farm had to be given to the manor. If a peasant did not follow these rules, then they were punished by getting whipped.

At first, the peasants were allowed to sell the remainder of their produce in the city, but by the beginning of the 16th century, that practice was restricted.

The most important social venues were taverns and mills. Taverns were located on crossroads of major thoroughfares and on the coast. Taverns offered shelter and the possibility to stock up on supplies on a long trip. Beer and vodka was sold.

The majority of mills were water mills, windmills were more rare. Mills were the most important “industrial enterprise” in Old Livonia. There were mills for both grain and wood. Because the taverns were not that common, travellers also stopped and slept at mills.

Taverns and mills belonged to the manor, but they were run by peasants.