CONTENTS
Introduction 1
1. Background of Norman Conquest 1
1.1 The Normans before Norman Conquest…………………..……….……………1
1.2 William (Duke of Normandy)………………………..………………………….1
1.3 England before Norman Conquest………………………………………………..…...2
1.4 Harold (King of England)………………………………………………..…...…2
2. Process of Norman Conquest………………………………………...3
2.1 Eve of the War 3
2.2 Hastings War during the Norman Conquest………………………….…….……4
2.3 Postwar Situation of England…………………………………………………....5
3. Social Significance to England……………………………………….6
3.1 Introduction of Feudalism ………………………………………………………6
3.2 Significance to English Churches…………………...…………………………...6
3.3 Significance to English Tax and Land Reform…………………………………..7
3.4 Significance to English Law…………………………………………..…............8
3.4.3 Significance to English Law Language……………………………..11
3.5 The Influence of French………………………………………………………...12
Conclusion………………………………………………………………13
Bibliography…………………………………………………………….15
Abstract: Norman Conquest was an invasion carried out by William, the Duke of Normandy. After accomplishing military conquering, William became the king of England, called William I. William I built up the Royal prerogative ruling in England. He depended mainly on the French nobles to carry out his ruling, confiscated the land of resisting Anglo-Saxon noblemen and subinfeudated the French feudal lords who followed him. The important feudal lords subinfeudated themselves land again to their own followers. Subinfeudation of land helped build up feudalism in newly conquered England. In order to consolidate his rule, William I also tried to keep English churches under his control. Norman Conquest accelerated the feudalization in England. Norman Conquest had a great social significance to England. This paper is to study this historical event mainly in three respects, its background, and its process together with its social significance.
Key Words: Norman Conquest; England; social significance
