1. The Norman Invasion
In 1066 William Duke of Normandy defeated the English King Harold at the Battle of Hastings. Thanks to this victory the Normans invaded and conquested England.
William eventually became the first Norman King of England, known as William the Conqueror.

2. What did the Normans introduce to England?
1) The Norman Conquest brought a new language and a new culture to England. Old French became the language of the court, of the government, of the church and of the aristocracy. Old English was spoken only by lower orders of society, often illiterate.

3. 2) The Normans intoduced the hierarchical feudal system into Britain, although the feudal conditions already existed. This time it was a better-defined pyramidal system.

4. The hierarchical system
THE KING
He owned and controlled all the land in the country. He allowed those men he trust to lease land from him.
THE BARONS
The Barons leased land from the King. They were known as “the lord of manor” and had the complete control of this land. They established their own system of justice and set their own taxes. In return for the land they had to pay rent and provide the king with knights for military service. The barons gave part of their land to the knights, who were their subordinates.

5. THE KNIGHTS
They received land by a baron in return for military service. They also had to protect baron and his family, as well as the king, from attack. They gave part of their land to the villeins/peasants.
THE PEASANTS/ VILLEINS
They received land by the knights and they had to provide their knight with free labour, food and service. They had no rights. They were poor.

6. Common Law and Magna Carta
The last Norman King, Stephen ( ), was followed by the first Plantagenet king, Henry II ( ). During his reign was introduced an important reform which weakened the feudal system This was Common Law, and it concerned the English legal system. Thanks to this reform a trial by jury was introduced and the king couldn’t arrest a free man without a fair trial.
In 1215 was signed another important document: Magna Carta.

7. This was a huge step towards equality for all citizens
Magna Carta
The Magna Carta is a an English document created by the barons during King John’s rule in 1215.
Up until this point, English kings had ruled without limitations, as they claimed to have an absolute divine power.
This document forced the King to follow the same laws as their subjects. Moreover the king could no longer raise taxes without the approval of a council of advisors.
This was a huge step towards equality for all citizens

8. Why was the king forced to sign this document?
King John was extremely unsuccessful in his military campaigns
In order to pay for the wars, John raised taxes without consulting his barons, against common custom
In response, the barons rebelled and forced John to sign the Magna Carta and give up some of his power