Anglo-Saxon Law and Norman England

Anglo-Saxon Law Anglo-Saxon England was not Feudal. Each Lord owned his own land Anglo-Saxon England did not use the Manorial System. Many small farmers owned their own land Lords were landlords and did not make law or sit in judgment over their renters Trials were settled by a “Jury System”

An Anglo-Saxon Trial Anglo-Saxon trials worked like this: Both sides (Accuser and Accused) brought people to the trial Testimony was heard from witnesses They all would vote…majority ruled Punishments and settlements were dictated by traditional law Flaw: whoever brought the most friends usually won!

The Norman Invasion In 1066 England is invaded twice! Harold the King is able to stop the Norwegians and march south to meet the Normans But at the Battle of Hastings the Normans win and Duke William the Conqueror of Normandy becomes the King of England

Under Norman Rule The Normans created a more centralized Government in England William the Conqueror… Appointed Sheriffs to collect taxes. Conducted a Census or ‘Domesday Book’ Henry I William’s son… Names an Exchequer or Royal Treasurer Give Royal Courts more Authority

A Norman Court Two Ways to decide guilt The King or Lord decides God decides! Trial by Ordeal: Combat… for nobles Cold Water ….for minor crimes Hot Water …for major crimes Hot Iron …for capital crimes Consecrated Morsel…for clergy All rely on the blessing of a priest