Concetti Chiave
- In 1066, William the Conqueror established the feudal system in England after defeating King Harold at the Battle of Hastings.
- William distributed lands to loyal lords, requiring their allegiance, while allowing the retention of some English laws and customs.
- The Norman Conquest introduced many French elements into English culture, including language, architecture, and customs.
- William meticulously documented property for tax purposes and was ruthless in suppressing rebellion.
- Post-conquest, English and French kings engaged in prolonged conflicts over territorial and political control.
The Beginning of the English Feudal System
There’s one year in the English history that masks the very beginning of Middle Ages strong feudal system. In 1066 William The Conqueror, duke of Normandy, crossed the English Channel from France, defeated the Saxon King Harold at the Battle Of Hastings and conquered England. Shortly after William had himself elected King of England. He required all feudal lords to take an oath to him as Supreme Ruler and distributed huge tracts of land to lords who had to prove their loyalty to the crown participating in struggles and wars, if necessary. However ,he permitted the English people to retain many of their own laws and customs, even if e forced them to use the French language. That’s why in the English language there are still many French words.
The Norman Influence on English Culture
William kept a careful listing of all property in England for tax purposes and showed no regard for sex when he massacred rebels by the thousand. The development of a strong national state was not the only result of the Norman Conquest; in countryside are many castles and cathedrals built in the Norman style and the customs, manners, dress and literature in England were also strongly influenced by the French.
Conflicts Between English and French Kings
For centuries after the death of William, the English kings were to struggle with the French kings for the control of the French territory. 
Similarly, the French kings were to interfere in English politics.
Domande da interrogazione
- How did William The Conqueror establish the feudal system in England?
- What impact did the Norman Conquest have on English culture and language?
- What were the long-term political conflicts following William's conquest?
In 1066, William The Conqueror defeated King Harold at the Battle of Hastings and became King of England. He required feudal lords to swear allegiance to him and distributed land to those loyal to the crown, thus establishing a strong feudal system.
The Norman Conquest led to the integration of French customs, manners, dress, and literature into English culture. It also introduced many French words into the English language, as William enforced the use of French.
After William's death, English kings engaged in prolonged struggles with French kings over control of French territories, while French kings often interfered in English politics, continuing the legacy of conflict initiated by the Norman Conquest.
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