5 - Food, Drink and Lodging: Hospitality in Twelfth-Century England

Summary

The lips of many shall bless him that is liberal of his bread, and the testimony of his truth is faithful. Against him that is niggardly of his bread, the city will murmur, and the testimony of his niggardliness is true.

[Ecclesiasticus 31: 28–9]

Hospitality has played an integral role in society throughout the ages and across cultures, and it remains an important part of everyday life. Its importance in the twelfth century was bound up with and reflected by a growing preoccupation with conduct as well as an increasing concern with reputation and rank and, accordingly, of the public forum. There was a great self-awareness of how one was seen, how words, actions and gestures were evaluated, and how this might affect standing. Indeed, it was for this very reason that the twelfth-century satirist and archdeacon of Oxford, Walter Map, found himself lumbered with a house full of guests whom his household had gathered ostensibly on his behalf. Walter complained that they had cajoled him into offering hospitality, by claiming this would salvage his reputation for stinginess and most likely secure for him a bishopric. Walter, however, grumbled that his household was more concerned with its own enjoyment than with restoring his good name, and sought to indulge themselves in the name of hospitality.

Walter's account was intended as a satire on exploitative households, with Walter himself playing the role of the downtrodden host, but it is nonetheless an important testimony to the significance of hospitality at this time and its link with reputation. Hospitality, which was by its nature a public act, was seen as a way to enhance one's name or stave off reproach. Needless to say success was not guaranteed and Walter never was promoted to a bishopric. Still, it is significant that he – and others – considered this a plausible way to advance. Hospitality provided a platform for the host to demonstrate his courtliness, worthiness and resources, and for lords to satisfy expectations and secure the loyalty of their followers.