Could A Medieval Peasant Become A Noble? | 60 Seconds History

We all love rags-to-riches stories, yet most of us know that social mobility in medieval Europe was extremely limited. But was there any way for a common peasant to rise to the nobility during the middle ages? Well, a few noble houses liked to claim that it happened to them. The French Count of Anjou, for example, traced their lineage back to Thothulf, a man that chronicles describe as a simple huntsman. Similar humble origins were claimed by the Count of Nevers-aux-Cerfs, though it is impossible to determine whether these stories reflect reality or were later inventions meant to embellish a family's origin story. In practice, however, the nobility of medieval Europe was largely closed off to outsiders, especially poor peasants who lacked the land and resources that defined noble status. The situation was somewhat different for wealthy merchants. Michael Littlepole, whose father was the prominent financier of the English King Edward III, was eventually granted the Earldom of Suffolk, in recognition of his financial support. Another possible path, particularly in the earlier medieval period, was military service. A commoner who distinguished himself in battle could be knighted and join the lower ranks of the warrior elite, gaining a measure of social advancement. But perhaps the most reliable route upwards was through the church. Certain popes, such as Sylvester II, rose from humble beginnings to the highest office in Christendom. Yet even these remarkable careers sometimes aroused suspicion, with critics accusing or suspecting such men of being in league with the devil. Now as always, thank you for watching and if you enjoyed the video, please like, comment, subscribe and become a channel member to support our work.