3.16 William's Use of Land for Control Flashcards
What was the feudal system?
A hierarchy of land ownership that allowed the Normans to control England.
How was Anglo-Saxon land ownership different to the Normans?
- AS involved lordship and patronage.
- N based on favouring William and giving land to those who helped him in his conquest (loyal).
How did William remove English landowners? (4)
- Replaced several As earls with N and took their earldoms.
- Many more senior landowners after N conquest.
- Removed problem of earls getting too powerful by making more of them.
- William owned all land => all land came directly from him increasing his power.
Who was the last English earl and when did he die?
Waltheof, beheaded in 1076.
How many english landowners still held land directly from the king by 1076?
2
How many English thegns held land by 1086?
4 out of original 4000
How did William formalise the feudal system? (3)
- King owned all the land and granted it to his tenants-in-chief (mainly Norman barons).
- These barons then gave land to knights, who provided military service in return.
- Peasants worked the land for the knights and barons, providing labor and goods.
How were knights affected by the change in feudal system (specific OK)? (2)
- Knights promised a number of days of military services (usually around 40) to the lord, and ultimately the King, in exchange for land (fiefs).
- By 1100, King had access to approximately 5000 knights.
How was the Norman feudal system different to the Anglo-Saxon system? (2)
- Anglo-Saxon society had a more fluid class system. Loyalty was often personal and less formalised.
- William introduced a strict hierarchy with formalized relationships where everyone owed homage and loyalty directly to the king, creating a more rigid and controlled system.
Why did William change Barons to Normans?
He appointed people he trusted as barons, as he knew they would remain loyal to him?
What 3 categories was land held by?
- King
- Church
- Around 200 Norman Barons
How much of the land did the Church have? Could it be taken away?
25%, but could be taken back if they weren’t loyal.
Why was it important that the Church had land? (3)
- Church was given land due to influence over the people.
- Need Church which preaches you as rightful King to be accepted.
- Allows William to maintain Control.
Who was Robert Mortain and why was he significant in land holding?
- William’s half brother
- Held land in 20 different counties => difficult to build power and focus attention in different areas
How many marcherlords were there?
- 3
- Shrewsbury
- Chester
- Hereford
