• History -> Middle Ages and Feudalism

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How did the Norman conquest of England change the Anglo-Saxon way of life?

Liddie Oager

Well, as a history buff, I could talk about the Norman conquest of England all day! It definitely had a huge impact on the Anglo-Saxon way of life. When William the Conqueror invaded England in 1066, he brought with him a whole new set of customs, language, and laws.

One of the biggest changes was the language. Before the conquest, Anglo-Saxon was the language spoken in England. But the Normans spoke French, and over time, their language began to influence the way English was spoken. Today, we call this mixture of French and English "Middle English." English also borrowed a lot of French words, which is why so many of our words have French origins.

Another big change was the feudal system. The Normans brought with them a system of lords and vassals, where the king granted land to his followers in exchange for their loyalty. This meant that many Anglo-Saxon landowners lost their lands to Normans who were rewarded for their support of William. This feudal system brought a lot of stability to England, but it also meant that the Normans held most of the power.

The Normans also introduced a new style of architecture and art. They were influenced by Romanesque and Byzantine styles, which featured rounded arches, elaborate decoration, and often depicted religious stories. This is why many of the churches and cathedrals built after the conquest have a very different look than those built before.

Finally, the conquest had a lasting impact on English law. William the Conqueror introduced a new legal system, which was based on an assumption of guilt rather than innocence (this was known as the "trial by ordeal"). He also introduced the concept of a jury, where a group of local people would decide whether someone was guilty or not. These legal innovations helped establish a more centralized legal system in England.

Overall, the Norman conquest of England was a major turning point in English history. It brought with it new customs, a new language, a new legal system, and a whole new way of life. In many ways, it paved the way for the development of modern England as we know it today.