What was a key feature of the manorial system?

A key feature of the manorial system was its emphasis on economic self-sufficiency and defense. This system was characterized by the lord's manor, which included agricultural land, a village, and often a church. The manor was designed to be largely self-sufficient, with the peasants (or serfs) working the land to produce food and goods that the community needed for daily life. This reliance on local resources meant that trade with outside regions was minimal, as the focus was primarily on sustaining the household and the local economy.

In terms of defense, manors often had walls or fortified structures to protect against invasions during the tumultuous times of the Middle Ages. The lords would maintain a degree of military readiness to fend off any threats, supporting the need for a strong defensive position in a largely agrarian society.

The other options do not accurately reflect the central features of the manorial system. While trade might have occurred, it was not a central focus. Military conquests were not a defining element of the manor itself, as the system was more concerned with local governance and agrarian life than expansion. Moreover, serfs typically lacked the freedom of movement, as they were bound to the land and required permission from the lord to leave