The nobility stayed at their manor-houses in the country-side, but many noblemen owned farms and stalls in the towns. The nobleman needed to sell the all the goods produced at his main farm as well as on the other farms he owned. These products were meat, butter, cheese, grain and wool, perhaps also skins and fur, fish and iron. The products were sold at the market in a nearby town. Since the nobleman usually owned a house and stalls in town, he did not have to rent expensive space where he could sell his ware. The storerooms and the stalls could be let out to tradesmen and craftsmen on certain occasions. By living in the town now and then the nobleman heard the latest news about what happened in the country as well as abroad.
By earning money from his farms and land, the nobleman could buy luxurious products in town. It was important to let everyone know how rich and important he was. Therefore the nobleman and his family dressed in the latest fashion. Their clothes were made from fine, foreign cloth. The food he offered at his banquets was prepared with spices from the Orient. He served wine from France. He used tin cups and plates instead of wooden ones. His armour and weapons had to be made by the best smith, and kept shiny and in perfect condition.
Read more about the nobility under "Society. Classes of society, and Defence" and "Country Life. Classes of society".