The Normans and feudal society

The Normans were originally Viking settlers in the region of Normandy, France. They invaded England in 1066 led by William the Conqueror.
William’s triumph at the Battle of Hastings in 1066 significantly changed the structure of English society.
The Normans built castles across England to strengthen their control over the landscape. The castles reflected Norman military, architectural, and administrative capabilities.
The Domesday Book, compiled in 1086, was an extensive survey of England by William the Conqueror, showing the distribution of land and resources. This book is a significant historical source for understanding Norman England.

The feudal system was introduced by the Normans and became the basis of societal organization in England.
It was a hierarchical system with the king at the top, followed by the nobles, knights, and peasants.
Land, or ‘fiefs’, was the primary form of wealth and was given by the king to his vassals (nobles) in return for military service and loyalty.
Peasants, or serfs, worked the lands of the vassals and were bound to it; they could not leave without the lord’s permission.

Norman rule was marked by a significant amount of building work, both castles and cathedrals, which changed the landscape of England.
Forest laws introduced by the Normans restricted hunting rights and the use of firewood, affecting the daily lives of the English peasantry.
The church played a central role in Norman society. The Normans greatly influenced church architecture and introduced new religious practices.
Norman rule also brought language changes; Latin became the language of the educated and French introduced into the courts and used by the nobility.

The social impact of the Norman Conquest was far-reaching, affecting every aspect of life in England.
The implementation of the feudal system drastically altered the power dynamics within society.
The Normans imposed new laws and customs, causing social unrest that often led to rebellions.
The English language and culture were influenced heavily by the Normans, significantly shaping it for centuries to come. This included changes in art, architecture, language, law, and societal norms.