Did the Norman Conquest change everyday life?

Question 1

Change of land in everyday life (4)

Answer 1

Norman aristocracy:
- Initially William tried to keep Anglo-Saxon landowners in place, but many took part in rebellions and he replaced them with Normans whom he could trust.
- Before the invasion, a few earls controlled most of the land. William split these earldoms into much smaller areas. This made them less powerful.
- A new group, known as knights, were also able to hold land. Some historians argue that knights were in fact just the Norman version of the Anglo-Saxon thegns.
Peasants:
- Life for peasants changed very little. They just had a new lord to work for.

Question 2

Change of castles in everyday life (5)

Answer 2

Norman aristocracy:
- Castles were built to establish status and protect the new lords from the local Anglo-Saxon population.
- Over time, castles became centres of trade and commerce.
Peasants:
- The size of castles, and the speed at which they could be built, would no doubt have intimidated the local population.
- Land was seized and cleared for the castles.
- Many locals, such as the blacksmith, worked within the walls of the bailey and so were protected from attack.

Question 3

Change of laws in everyday life (4)

Answer 3

Norman aristocracy:
- William kept most of the Anglo-Saxon financial system (even including some aspects, like the exchequer and the minting system).
- Trial by jury was introduced, although only the Norman aristocracy had the right to demand this.
Peasants:
- New forest laws meant that peasants could no longer hunt to supplement their diets.
- Murdrum fines meant that the whole area would pay for any attack on a Norman.

Question 4

Change of language in everyday life (4)

Answer 4

Norman aristocracy:
- The language of the new aristocracy was French. French was also used at court, in law and in government.
- Latin was still used for religious services.
- As time went on, English and Norman French began to merge to create Anglo-Norman.
Peasants:
- Peasants continued to speak English. Over time, some Norman words began to be used in everyday speech.