The land retained by the lord of the manor for their own use and management.
The demesne was the part of a manor retained by the lord for their own use rather than being granted to tenants.
It usually included the principal farmland, meadows, woods and other resources from which the lord received income or produce. The cultivation of the demesne was often supported by labour services owed by tenants, although these obligations were increasingly replaced by money payments over time.
The size and organisation of the demesne varied greatly between estates. Some lords managed their demesne directly, while others leased it to farmers.
See also:
Manor
Lord of the Manor
Tenant
Bailiff
Reeve