1. Anglo-Saxon Law
and
Norman England

2. 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”

3. 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!

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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