changes to the law

• the murdrum fine -

  Despite the idea of paying a fine remained the same, william introduced the murrdrum fine where instead of paying a fine to the victim's family- the fine goes straight to the King. This meant that the laws were further centralised.
• the murdrum fine -

  rather than an individual paying the fine, the whole community contributed into paying a fine.This meant the concept of collective responsibility still continued. Furthermore, it acted as a deterrent
• The forest law -

  The forest law meant that common land peasants grazed animals and used for survival is now strictly in the king's hands so only people who are able to afford hunting rights can hunt there
• key fact about the forest law -

  30% of the forest were prohibited from common land peasants so they were unable to get no firewoods or food
• poaching ( crime )

  • the crime for illegally hunting in the king's land and poachers could be hanged,blinded or even castrated
  • outlaw - forest law created another crime where it became illegal for any peasant to move away from their village - they would be called this if they did( above age of 14 )
  • walved - the name for when women do this
• centralised - concentrate under a single authority
• creating the feudal system -

  in the feudal system, everyone owed money and promised to serve the classes above them

  William replaced anglo- saxon nobles with nobles from france to make sure they're loyal and made sure he had a group of knights for him when needed
• building castles-

  normans built castles in all places of the kingdom- peasant workers were used to build the castles in which the Norman lords and nobles would live. This heightened william's centralised authority. It looked intimidating and symbolised increased strength and authority of the king
• dealing with rebellions -

  william dealt with any rebellions harshly but also their family and community.

  It is estimated that up to 100,000 people died of starvation as a result of his actions
• trial by combat -

  a new trial was introduced by the Normans.

  • used to settle any arguments over money or land - occasionally they would fight until death. This increased authority as it suggested whoever wins is supported by God like how william is seen supported by God due to his win in the battle of hastings
• social crimes became more of an issue due to the forest law
• Norman - french became the official language of court proceedings and records were in latin but also the bible was also in this language