Long-Term Political Changes from the Norman Conquest

The Norman Conquest in 1066 had a big impact on England's politics that lasted a long time. Let’s look at some important changes that happened after the conquest:

1. Introduction of Feudalism

• The Normans brought a new system called feudalism to England. This changed how land was owned and how people were governed.
• The king gave land to his loyal nobles.
• This created a hierarchy, or a ranking system, with:
  • Barons: About 200 barons received large estates.
  • Knights: Around 5,000 knights got smaller pieces of land in return for military service.
• With this system, local lords had power over their vassals (those who worked for them) and serfs (workers tied to the land). This also made the king's control stronger.

2. Royal Authority and Centralization

• William the Conqueror took control and reduced the power of the Anglo-Saxon nobles.
• By 1086, the Domesday Book was created. It was a detailed list of land and resources in England.
• This book helped the king by providing important information about taxes and governance. It listed over 13,000 estates.
• Royal courts were set up to create uniform laws across England, reducing the local customs that differed from place to place.

3. Changes in Governance

• The arrival of the Norman aristocracy changed politics in England. By the end of the 12th century:
  • About 90% of the land was owned by Normans or their tenants, pushing many English landowners aside.
  • The king relied more on powerful nobles to help govern, making the system more complex.

4. Language and Culture

• The Norman leaders spoke Old French, which made the English court and legal system bilingual.
• By the 14th century, around 30% of English words came from Norman French, affecting political conversations.

5. Emergence of Parliament

• As the feudal system continued, and the need for taxes grew, councils were formed that eventually turned into Parliament.
• By the 13th century, the idea of English Parliament began to develop, where representatives from different counties and towns could take part in making decisions.

6. Regional Power Dynamics

• The Conquest also led to conflicts, such as the Barons' War (1215-1217). Nobles fought to keep or regain their power against a stronger king.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Norman Conquest greatly changed the political scene in England with the introduction of feudalism, stronger royal control, and new ways of governance. The shift in power and the beginnings of Parliament were key steps that influenced the modern British political system, and we can still see these effects today.