History of Feudalism in England

F. William the Conqueror

• Invasion of England occurred in 1066, marking a significant shift in English history.
• William was crowned King of England on December 25, 1066, establishing his rule.
• Post-invasion, England became a bilingual nation, combining Norman French with Old English.
• The relationship between conquerors (Normans) and the conquered (Saxons) transformed the cultural landscape.
• Introduced feudalism, a hierarchical government structure that dominated medieval England.

G. A Feudal World

• Transitioned England from a warrior culture to one led by kings and the nobility by the year 1000.
• The feudal system was structured like a pyramid: at the top was the King, followed by nobles, then knights, and finally peasants at the bottom.
• This hierarchy established defined roles and responsibilities within society, influencing land ownership and military service.

H. The Rise of Towns

• Emergence of towns represented a shift from feudal rural economies to more urbanized centers of trade and commerce.
• Growth of towns contributed to a burgeoning middle class and increased economic activity.
• Towns developed as centers of craft, trade, and cultural exchange, paving the way for future social changes.