Medieval Gentlewoman Author:Ffiona Swabey, SWABY This richly detailed study provides an important addition to current work on women in late medieval England. Its starting point is evidence from the life of one particular woman, Alice de Bryene, a Suffolk noblewoman of the late 14th and early 15th century who, as a widow and owner of several large estates, enjoyed greater status and influence t... more »han most married women of the period. Through an examination of Alice's lifestyle, and taking into account other available sources, the author is able to illuminate the experiences of medieval women in general. The resulting work provides a vivid picture of life in the medieval household, examining marriage and widowhood, the day-to-day running of the household, hospitality and entertainments, estate management, education, patronage, and the private and public roles of medieval noblewomen.« less