The Feudal System and Medieval Life
The feudal pyramid created a rigid social structure that dominated Norman England. At the top sat the king, who granted land to barons in exchange for military service. Barons then gave portions to knights, who provided land to peasants in return for labour.
This system completely changed how England defended itself - since all land technically belonged to the king, anyone receiving land had to pay taxes and provide soldiers when needed. It was a clever way of maintaining control without a standing army.
Village life revolved around this hierarchy. Most people lived within a day's walk of a church and castle, with 8 out of 10 people being villeins - peasants tied to the land who couldn't even marry without their lord's permission. Their lives followed the seasons, with winter being the harshest time when they survived on stored harvest.
Wealthy lords lived completely differently. They collected taxes from tenants, spent time learning Latin and combat skills, and enjoyed hunting as their favourite pastime. King William even evicted hundreds of families to create a 30-mile Royal Forest near Winchester - hunting there illegally meant brutal punishment, usually blinding.
Remember: The feudal system wasn't just about land - it was about loyalty, military service, and maintaining Norman control over England!