William I

Feudalism

In Anglo-Saxon England thegns owed service on account of personal or national obligation. Under the feudal system imposed by William the barons owed military service to the king on account of the lands they held from him. In effect, the whole of England was held by William; his barons, no matter how powerful they might be, were his tenants.

In the old Danelaw (a large area once controlled by Vikings) there were old-established liberties but many of these ended and were replaced with Norman feudalism. Over time the same feudalism would raise its head in Scotland, when its king granted land to a number of men of Norman descent. However, the system of Anglo-Saxon local government, which included its courts, militia and sheriffs, was left untouched, ass most of its individual parts were useful administrative tools to both the king and the new landowners.

Fortifications

Forced labour was used to build great mounds, upon which wooden structures were erected; eventually these would be replaced by stone castles. These were dotted about the country and advertised the strength of the new rulers. During the many revolts that broke out during the early years after the Norman Conquest they were also places of refuge for William’s supporters.