The Early Middle Ages and Feudalism

The Early Middle Ages

• The period covered by the presentation is from the historical source McDowall, 1989, pages 23-33 & 41.

The Norman Conquest

• William the Conqueror's conquest is mentioned with an ellipsis; implying further detail wasn't captured
• An Anglo-Saxon rebellion occurred
• The Normans treated the conquered people harshly, with no mercy
• A struggle for power existed between the Church and the English kings.
• Thomas Becket tried to limit the king's authority over Church affairs (and subsequently died).

Feudalism

• William was aware of his power over the nobles and the distribution of land in England (half to Norman nobles, a quarter to the Church, and a fifth kept for himself)
• The Saxon system existed with sheriffs and powerful local nobles.
• England was considered the personal property of the kings.
• Feudal systems began to develop before William's arrival.

Feudalism 2

• Feudalism derives from the French word "feu"
• Land was held in return for service to the lord.
• Land ownership was controlled by the king and held by "vassals" in return for services and goods.
• Large estates provided resources for the king.
• Nobles received parts of the lands; some were knights and "freemen".
• Peasants, called "serfs," had a lower status.

Basic Principles of Feudalism

• Every man had a lord, and every lord had land.
• Loyalty and service to a lord were demonstrated through homage.
• Responsibilities of lords to vassals involved land and protection.
• The situation after the lord's death involved: succession of the lord's son (or the king taking control if the heir was a child)
• The land returned to the king following the death of a lord.

Lord & Vassal Duties

• Lords were responsible for protecting and treating knights fairly.
• Vassals protected the lord's life and property.
• Vassals were required to give the lord money and provisions.
• Knights could serve multiple lords.
• Vassals could advance in status if they gained enough land.

Feudalism - Economy

• William gave land to the nobles
• The Domesday Book documented land ownership
• 1086 survey of land ownership in England
• An economic survey, the only one of its kind in medieval Europe
• Domesday Book is a land register.

Kingship: A Family Business

• William controlled Normandy.
• He became the king of England through war.
• William had no son, and gave England to King Robert.
• Disputes over succession followed William's death.
• Henry took his brother, Robert's Normandy
• Henry became ruler of England and Normandy.

Henry's Son or Daughter

• Henry's only surviving child died.
• Matilda and another great noble in France, Geoffrey, married.
• Stephen of Blois's claim to the throne was opposed by Matilda.
• A civil war ensued with conflicting claims to the throne.
• Matilda's son inherited the throne when Stephen died.

Henry II (1133-1189)

• Henry II controlled a large area, including Anjou.
• He destroyed many castles and many nobles fought against him
• Henry married Eleanor of Aquitaine (leading to quarrels with his wife about the crown)
• Two sons (Richard and John) fought against their father.
• Henry II's sons had a duty to the king of France.
• Henry II’s sons inherited the crown: Richard I and John.

Richard I - "Lionheart" (1157-1199)

• Richard I was a popular king; he was courageous and a skilled soldier, especially against the Muslims.
• Captured by the Duke of Austria
• He died in France with no heirs.
• His brother, John, succeeded him.

John (1166-1216)

• John was greedy.
• He imposed high taxes.
• The French king invaded Normandy.
• John lost land to the French, and English nobles.
• John had a quarrel with the Pope.
• The Pope called for the French to invade England.

Magna Carta and the Decline of Feudalism

• The Magna Carta, signed by King John, was a symbol of political freedom.
• It protected "freemen" from the king's officials and secured a fair legal trial.
• The king could only act within his rights.
• A conflict erupted between the king and the lords who forced him into signing the Magna Carta.
• The king was forced to pay soldiers, instead of demanding service, which led to the decline of Feudalism

The Power of the Kings of England - Church and State

• Disputes over authority occurred between the Church and the kings.
• Thomas Becket fought for Church authority and was killed by Henry II
• The Church's authority over spiritual and earthly affairs was a source of conflict.
• William Rufus and Anselm were embroiled in disputes as well

The Beginnings of Parliament

• Henry III (1207-1272) was young when he became king, under the control of influential nobles.
• Magna Carta was a significant document that constrained the king.
• The nobles elected advisers (leading to parliament) for discussion and conflict resolution.
• Simon de Montfort led the nobles, eventually leading to the formation of Parliament; he was killed.
• Edward I, the following king's succession, led to the creation of Parliament.

Edward I (1239-1307)

• Edward I established the first real parliament.
• Parliament was involved in establishing policies to increase royal income through taxation.
• The House of Commons was separate from the House of Lords.
• The representation of the people from the towns and shires was significant.
• The principle of "no taxation without representation" emerged.

Dealing with the Celts

• The Normans expanded into Wales and Ireland.
• The Welsh wanted their own prince. This led to the ceremony of royal succession
• The eldest son of the ruling King or Queen became known as the Prince of Wales.
• The Irish chiefs and Norman lords accepted Henry's leadership, but this authority depended on the Pope.

Scotland

• Scotland was ruled by one king in the 11th century, but was closely connected to England.
• Marriages between English and Scottish royal families were commonplace, creating alliances.
• Scotland adopted the feudal system.
• Edward I of England attempted to control Scotland.
• A succession crisis resulted in a conflict over the throne, creating a sense of Scottish nationalism, and preventing Scotland from being ruled by an English King.

Scotland 2: Never Ruled by English King

• Edward I invaded Scotland and captured key castles.
• Edward sought to control the Stone of Destiny. Scotland resisted
• William Wallace led the Scottish resistance.
• Edward I claimed kingship but resistance to England continued and caused conflict and disputes.
• Robert Bruce became a significant Scottish leader.
• Scotland remained independent of English control

Activities

• Follow-up questions format for class interaction (students A & B)

Bibliography

• (The source material, including author, date, title, publisher and ISBN of the main source document)

Explore the transformative events of the Early Middle Ages, focusing on the Norman Conquest and the establishment of feudalism in England. This quiz covers key figures like William the Conqueror and Thomas Becket, highlighting the power struggles between the Church and the monarchy. Test your knowledge of this crucial historical period from the source material McDowall, 1989.