Unfortunate Children. Orphans were found at all levels of medieval society. Orphans were often among the poorest and most vulnerable members of society and were considered worthy of special protection from secular rulers and the Church. Medieval literary works, biographies, and saints' lives often express profound sympathy for orphans. Generally, provisions were made for the guardianship of an orphan and the administration of his inheritance in his parents' wills. Often, however, parents died without a will, especially if they were in the lower ranks of society or had died young. In such instances, the care of the child was arranged according to law and guided by social conventions.

Aristocratic Orphans. Among the aristocracy, feudal customs decreed that the orphan and heir of a vassal would come under the guardianship of his father's lord or king. Indeed, at this level of society, being...