The Feudal System
History: KS3, topic 2.2.7
The Feudal System
Although William had won the Battle of Hastings, his position as king was still very insecure. He used several methods to secure his throne and establish himself as king.
The Feudal System
- William introduced a system from Normandy known as the Feudal System to keep control over his subjects.
- This system was based around land.
- The king technically owned all the land in the country, and he used this as a way to reward loyalty and gain support.
The barons
- William granted large estates of land to the barons (nobles) who had supported him during his invasion.
- In return, they owed him their loyalty and would have to raise an army of knights for him if need be.
The knights
- These barons then granted part of the land on their estates to knights, in return for them fighting on the king’s behalf when needed.
- The knights then granted small strips of land to peasants (the vast majority of the population).
The peasants
- The peasants worked the land and had to give part of their produce to the lord.
- They were able to keep just enough to feed themselves and their family.
- This is known as ‘subsistence living’.
- The peasants were not free men. They had to ask permission from the lord if they wanted to marry, or if they wanted to leave the estate.
Strengths of the system
- The Feudal System allowed William to ensure his subjects were loyal, since they had to be loyal to keep their land and make a living for themselves.
- It also meant that he could trust his barons to keep control over their individual estates.
Unfairness of the system
- The problem with the Feudal System was that it was an unfair system that kept the poor very poor. The peasants had no way of rising up against the system.
Test yourself on The Feudal System
Which of the following is NOT true of the feudal system and the ways it helped William consolidate his power?