The term "Lords of the Manor" refers to the landowners in the feudal system of medieval Europe. They held significant power and responsibility over their estates, which included villages and surrounding lands. The lords managed agricultural production, collected rents, and provided protection to the peasants who worked the land. In exchange for their land, lords owed loyalty to higher nobility or the monarchy. They often participated in local governance and justice, overseeing disputes among tenants. The role of a lord was crucial in maintaining the social and economic structure of the time, influencing the lives of many, including serfs and knights.