What is Feudalism?
Feudalism is a grouping of legal and military customs, prevalent in medieval Europe, which flourished between the 9th and 15th centuries, or any similar grouping of legal and military customs. Simply defined, it was a system for structuring society around relationships derived from the holding of land in exchange for service or labour.
When was Feudalism established in England?
When was Feudalism established in England? Feudalism in England was established by William the Conqueror and the Normans following the defeat of the English Anglo Saxons at the Battle of Hastings in 1066. The system and structure of feudalism had been well established in Europe for some time and the Normans imposed feudalism in England.
How does it work? Why did King William use it?
The Feudal System...After the Battle of Hastings, William still had to conquer England. He marched from Hastings, crossing the Thames River then on towards London. He received the surrender of the city and took hostages to ensure that the surrender was kept.William wanted to be crowned King as soon as possible. His Coronation took place on Christmas Day, 1066. It was held at Westminster.
How did it work?
William gave the Baron's some of the land he had taken from the saxons. In exchange the Baron's payed homage or provide knights to fight for him when he needed them. The barons granted land to their followers (usually knights). The knights promised in return to pay homage, be loyal, to fight for them and to raise money when the barons asked (demanded) it. Feudalisum basically meant that the king didn't run the country. Instead it was ran by indival lords... like a mayor, except with a larger piece of land. Those 'mayors' (Baron's) administered their own estates, controlled the justice system, minted their own money, controlled taxes and tolls and unfortunately demanded military service and farm work from their peasants (villeins) and serfs. |
Why did William use the Feudal system?
The country was too large for the King to look after and run by himself. So the king divided the land up and gave parts to the Church and parts to people below him. This system and the structure of feudalism had been well established in Europe for some time. After William took over he forced the english to 'change their ways' and therefore England followed the way of feudalism. |