William of Normandy (also known as William the Conqueror) required a new system of governance after conquering England.
Spent most of his time in France, thus needed a robust system to maintain control and manage his territories.
Used wealth to fund military campaigns and construct castles.
Required a reliable system to defend the country and see off threats.
The Feudal System
Modified the existing Anglo-Saxon system into the Feudal System.
Hierarchy of Land Ownership:
King: Top level, directly owned 20% of the land.
Tenants-in-chief: Included around 200 Norman barons and bishops. Loyal to the king, provided money and soldiers.
Knights: Served in the army, protected tenants-in-chief and peasants, received land in return, could be known as lord of the manor.
Peasants (Serfs or Villains): Worked on the land, provided crops, and labor service to their lord.
Most peasants were not free and couldn’t leave the land without permission.
Land Tenure
Holding Land in Tenure: Borrowing land with the responsibility to provide service to the lord.
Vassal: A person who held land in tenure.
Lord: A feudal superior to the vassal.
Homage: Ceremony to formalize the agreement, involving kneeling before the lord and taking an oath of fealty (a religious act).
Forfeiture: Penalty if the vassal failed to deliver their side of the agreement—land would be taken back by the king.
Domesday Survey
Launched by William in 1085 to record power and landownership.
Known as the Domesday Survey due to its detailed nature.
Divided country into seven circuits, commissioners asked questions about land ownership (1066-1085).
Verified by tenants-in-chief for accuracy.
Important for Norman control and efficient taxation and rent collection.
Outcome: Allowed William to fund his army efficiently.
Notable Anecdotes
William’s body couldn’t fit into his coffin at his funeral, leading to an explosion due to the decomposition gases.
Reflects his organized nature despite not being able to read or speak English.
Summary
William's modifications and introductions in the governance led to a structured feudal system that facilitated control, taxation, and military funding.