Unit 2- Life under Normans

• Differences between hierarchy before and after 1066

  • Bishops & Barons and knights were introduced
  • Before 1066 there were only 6 earls but were replaced with barons
• How did the Feudal System help control England

  • King could receive loyalty and work in exchange for land
  • King gets money so can increase army and castles
• differences in military control before and after 1066

  • Knights had to make an oath to always carry out military service
  • William created the Domesday Book which documented all land ownership
• How did the domesday book help keep control

  • William could solve land disputes
  • William could see who owed rent and military service
  • Intimidation as ’doom’ related to the Last Judgement and people were very religious
• What were differences in inheritance laws

  • Before land was split between all sons
  • Under Normans land was given to eldest son (Primogeniture)
  • If tenant died with no heir, land was given to the Lord
  • If heir is underage, Lord would temporarily take land and profits until heir was right age.
• How did primogeniture help Normans keep control

  Meant there were less land owners so they could maintain power
• what were changes to the court hierarchy

  • Lord’s court was introduced which not only solved crime and disputes, but also helped land and property disputes
  • Church courts dealt with church related cases (ecclesiastical)
• What were similarities in the legal system

  • Normans kept the Witan which advised the King (Curia Regis)
  • Used a ‘writ’ to issue government orders
  • kept sheriffs which were in charge of the 134 shires in England
• what were basic characteristics of a Norman Town

  • church and religious houses
  • market place
  • merchants and craftsmen on the high street
• What was life like for peasants in norman England

  • Mostly farmers and their lives were dictated by the farming year
  • Mostly ate bread, fish, vegetables and crops they grew
  • Didn’t eat meat as it was mainly for wealthier people
  • Worked six days a week