Crime and Punishment / 1066-1087
Crime and Punishment: Norman Feudal System
The feudal system turned land into a system of loyalty, service, and control.
What To Remember
- William claimed ownership of all land in England.
- He granted land to loyal supporters in return for taxes, soldiers, and obedience.
- The system helped control people from the king down to peasants and serfs.
King at the top
William could not personally control every village.
By claiming all land, he made everyone dependent on royal favour.
This strengthened central authority after the Conquest.
Lords and knights
Norman nobles received land in return for loyalty and military support.
They provided knights, collected taxes, and enforced the king's rule locally.
Many Anglo-Saxon nobles were replaced by Normans loyal to William.
Peasants and serfs
Most people worked the land and owed labour or rent to their lord.
Serfs were tied to the manor and could not freely leave.
Running away challenged the lord's control and could make someone an outlaw.
Link to crime and punishment
The feudal system made loyalty a legal and social duty.
Rebellion, disobedience, and refusing service threatened the Norman hierarchy.
This explains why William used harsh punishment to protect authority.
Revision Prompt
How did land ownership help William control crime, rebellion, and obedience?