The Feudal System

• feudal system= land holding in return for service

• duchies/ counties were known as ‘fiefs’

• the ‘vassals’ were men who had sworn loyalty to the King of Franks and they were granted the fief in return of using their own armies to fight on the King’s behalf

• it was different from England as dukes and counts had considerable independence and used their armies for the King when necessary

The strength of Normandy

• Normandy was one of the strongest fiefs in France

• Rollo the Walker= the first Viking leader in Normandy

• AD911- Rollo became a vassal of the King of the Franks → they adopted language, forms of government and laws

• William the Bastard was born in 1028

Knights

New forms of fighting

• stirrups allowed the knights to be able to charge their enemies on horseback and remain in the horse will remaining stable

‘Thugs’

• knights swore to serve their lord and received land in return

• they used their military power to take as much tax and rent as they wanted

Castles

• most castles were made of earthworks and timber

• knights used castles as a home and fortress

• 2 main types of castles:

  • ‘ringwork’ castle: consisted of a ‘bailey’ surrounded by a ditch and an earthwork bank with a wooden fence, entrance is fortified by a solid gatehouse

  • ‘motte and bailey’ castle: motte within the bailey and a ‘keep’

• wooden defences could be replaced by stone walls and keeps

‘Stability and strength’

• knights followed different dukes who followed Rollo → Normandy was more stable than other parts of France

• knights would challenge their lords if they showed any weaknesses

Christianity and the Church

• Rollo converted to Christianity when he became a vassal

• Normandy became famous for the beauty of its churches

• Popes praised Norman monks and nuns for their teachings, devotion, art and music

• e.g. abbey in Caen → Romanesque style

• Normandy was settled and wealthy: firm government, efficient taxation, strong trading links

William’s first experiences

• 1035- William’s dad died when he was only 8 years old

• senior lords had been murdered or killed in battle → William had no supervisors

• 1047- large-scale revolt and William took charge → good tactician and fearless soldier

• useful marriage alliance- Matilda of Flanders in 1050

  • they built the abbey in Caen as a way to thank the Pope for allowing them to marry