Norman Control of England after 1066

Norman Control of England after 1066

• William the Conqueror, after winning the Battle of Hastings, implemented various strategies to maintain power. Anglo-Saxons resistance was a factor in these strategies.

Castles: Strongholds of Power

• Over 500 Motte and Bailey castles were constructed rapidly across England.
• Motte and Bailey castles consisted of a tall hill (Motte) with a tower and a lower fenced area (Bailey) for troops and resources.
• Castles were strategically placed in towns and villages to suppress potential rebellions, and were also symbols of power.
• Many castles were later built of stone, enhancing their strength (e.g., Tower of London, Durham Castle, Warwick Castle).

Domesday Book: Comprehensive Knowledge

• William the Conqueror ordered a detailed survey of England called the Domesday Book in 1086.
• This survey recorded land ownership, livestock count, and tax obligations.
• William aimed to prevent wealth concealment and accurately collect taxes.
• The Domesday Book demonstrated William's comprehensive control over his kingdom. It was called the "Doomsday" book because once recorded there, information wasn't altered, like on Judgement Day.

Harrying of the North: Brutality and Suppression

• In 1069-1070, Anglo-Saxon rebels in northern England were met with brutal suppression, known as the Harrying of the North.
• This involved systematic destruction—burning villages, killing people, devastating crops, and livestock—rendering the land unusable.
• This aimed to punish rebels and demoralize potential future opposition.
• Northern England suffered long-term devastation from famine and abandonment (long-term empty areas).

Matilda, Queen and Regent

• Queen Matilda of Flanders, William's wife, was a crucial ruler when William was absent, acting as a regent.
• She managed aspects of government, including taxes, laws, and administration.
• Matilda backed the building of churches and abbeys, aiding in spreading Norman culture.
• She was a significant ruler with coronation rites similar to the King, showcasing her influence.

Feudal System: Organization of Power

• The Feudal System structured Anglo-Saxon England under Norman rule.
• The Feudal system worked on a hierarchy—The King owned all the land and distributed it to loyal barons (lords) for military service.
• Barons governed large estates (manors), supplied knights to the royal army, and collected taxes.
• Knights supported barons, protecting their land, and serving in the king's army whenever needed.
• Peasants (serfs/villeins) worked the land in return for protection and paid taxes. Peasants often couldn’t move from their lord's land.
• The system ensured Norman control by connecting all levels, from the highest to the lowest level of society, under the rule of the King.

Summary of Norman Control

• Castles asserted Norman authority
• The Domesday Book revealed Norman administration and control
• The Harrying of the North showcased Norman power and ruthlessness.
• Matilda strengthened Norman rule as regent
• The Feudal system incorporated all the people under Norman rule effectively.