What were considered good table manners in Medieval times?

That was very important because throughout the Middle Ages they didn't use forks (although they had existed since middle of the 14th century), so people ate a lot with their fingers and with the help of bread. That's why it was considered good manners not to put your fingers in your mouth or in the sauces. read more

Rosalie's Medieval Woman - Manners has extensive rules for table manners. “Medieval times” may refer to any time within about a 1000 years. Customs differed across centuries and across cultures. These rules were not universal but her list seems to me to provide a generally accurate summary. read more

Later in the Middle Ages the idea of a common table was abandoned altogether and servants ate at a different time in a different room from their lords and ladies. This was condemned by the Church for a while, but became the norm anyway. read more

Good table manners could sometimes lead to promotion, so it was important to learn the right way to behave. Most table manners were practical, concentrating on cleanliness and consideration for others who would be sharing the food.They were thought so important that they were both written down by hand and learned, and later were put into printed instruction books, in rhyming format which made them easier to learn. read more

Table Manners Medieval people were very religious and prayer was an integral part of the day. A prayer would certainly always be said before any meal even when eating at home. Hands were always washed both before and after a meal. read more