Norman changes to English land tenure
You can explain how Domesday Book can be used to study Norman changes to English land tenure.
Norman changes to English land tenure
You can explain how Domesday Book can be used to study Norman changes to English land tenure.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- The Normans changed land tenure in England.
- The new system of land tenure is often referred to as 'feudalism'.
- England was a hierarchical and tenurial society.
- Domesday Book is used by historians to study Norman changes to land tenure.
Common misconception
Pupils may think that power associated with land ownership was a Norman import to England.
Remind pupils that Anglo-Saxon England was a society largely based on land ownership and the power that this brought.
Keywords
Baron - A baron was a great lord or landholder in the kingdom.
Homage - A person who placed their hands between the hands of a social superior and acknowledged their vassal status was paying homage.
Vassal - A vassal is a person who holds land from another within feudalism.
Tenant - A person who occupies or looks after property owned by another is a tenant.
Tenure - The conditions by which they hold their land or property are described as tenure.
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
a ditch, sometimes filled with water, surrounding the castle
the castle courtyard; an open area inside the outer defences
a tall structure within a castle used for keeping a lookout
a mound of earth
someone who lives in accommodation owned by their landlord
someone who has a legal right to land
something that somebody owns and can sell, e.g. a house
a system where land was granted in return for services
a legal right to own or use land for a set period of time
Exit quiz
6 Questions
a person who occupies property owned by another
a person who holds land from another within feudalism
a great lord or landholder in the kingdom
a ceremony of loyalty from a vassal to their lord
meant barons swore to be loyal to William.
told William how much everyone’s land was worth.
were used to reward William’s loyal followers.
made William the most powerful landholder.