Feudalism in England

Feudalism in England emerged during the Middle Ages.
It changed the way of life for the English people.

Who was responsible for introducing feudalism to England?

Feudalism was introduced in England in 1066 following the Battle of Hastings and the Norman Conquest.

The Normans, led by William the Conqueror who was crowned King William I of England introduced Feudalism to England.

Feudalism was based on the exchange of land for military service. 

William the Conqueror claimed all the land in England and divided the land between himself (about 20% ), the church (about 25%) and the remainder of English land was given to Norman soldiers and nobles (barons).

Under the Feudal system the vassals who were awarded land swore an Oath of Fealty (allegiance) to their lord and provided fully equipped soldiers.

What did feudalism in England 
mean to the English? 

Only TWO Englishmen were left as landowners in England, both of them had turned traitor to the English

Did the Anglo Saxons fight against the Normans and feudalism in England?

Yes. Rebellions were led by the mother and family of the deposed King Harold. Hereward the Wake also led a rebellion against the Normans. They were defeated.

What was the reason for the Domesday Book? 

Following the Norman Conquest, William the Conqueror ordered a full survey of England which was called the Domesday (Doomsday) Book. 

It gave the new King of England full details of the land, the people and how much taxes and dues would be paid to the Normans.

What did feudalism in England mean to the peasants?

Medieval Serfs were peasants who worked his lord's land and paid him certain dues in return for the use of land, the possession (not the ownership) of which was heritable (able to be passed to heirs).  

When the land changed owners the peasants were obliged to work for the new owners - the Normans

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  The peasants worked his lord's land and paid him certain dues (fees) in return for the use of land, the possession (not the ownership) of which was heritable. The dues were usually in the form of 3 days labor on the lord's land.

How did the Normans maintain
 feudalism in England?

Feudalism in England was based on a pyramid of power. The Normans split up the English land and retained and maintained their power by building castles as power bases to control the English population

Preparing for exams?
Visit the links below!

http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/historic_figures/william_i_king.shtml (gives some information about the difficulties faced by William after the Battle of Hastings- be careful to read information carefully and only use evidence which is relevant to your essay)

http://www.schoolhistory.co.uk/year7links/1066/FeudalSystem.pdf (discusses the feudal system and how it helped William keep control)

http://www.spartacus.schoolnet.co.uk/MEDwilliam1.htm  (encyclopaedic site with everything you ever wanted to know about the events of 1066)

http://www.historylearningsite.co.uk/england_medieval.htm ( good visual sources)