Medieval manor houses were owned by the wealthy.  The men who leased land from the King were known as Barons.  They were wealthy, powerful and had complete control of the land they leased from the King.  The land leased from the King was known as a manor.  The barons were known as the lord of the manor and were in complete control of the land.  They had their own justice system, made their own money and controlled their own taxes.  In return for the land the barons had to serve on the royal council,pay rent and provide the king with knights for military service when he needed it.  They also provided food and a place for the king and his court to stay when they travelled around the country. The Barons kept as much of their land as they wanted for their own use, then divided the rest among their Knights.  Barons were very rich.