What was the rank of a steward?

Answer 1

A steward is an official appointed by a nobleman to look after his affairs and interests. A steward was typically a commoner, although an educated person, and received an excellent income by the standards of the common people. The exact nature of the position could vary. Some stewards oversaw a manor, and might be more properly called a bailiff. Others stewards were primarily responsible for running the household of a noble, particularly if the noble was often not in residence.