Medieval Britain
Explore life in medieval Britain, from the Norman Conquest to the Black Death.
Medieval Britain (1066-1485)
The medieval period was a time of knights, castles, and dramatic change.
The Norman Conquest (1066)
King Edward the Confessor died without a clear heir. Harold Godwinson became king, but William of Normandy invaded. On 14th October 1066, they fought at the Battle of Hastings. Harold was killed and William became William the Conqueror.
The Feudal System
William brought the feudal system to England: King owned all land, Barons were given land, Knights fought for barons, Peasants worked the land.
Castles
The Normans built castles to control the English. First motte and bailey castles (mound with wooden tower), then stone castles.
The Domesday Book (1086)
William ordered a great survey of all land, animals, and people. It was called the Domesday Book and helped him collect taxes.
The Magna Carta (1215)
King John was a terrible king who taxed people heavily. The angry barons rebelled and forced him to sign the Magna Carta on 15th June 1215. It said even the king must obey the law. It's one of the most important documents in history.
The Black Death (1348-1349)
A terrible plague killed about 1/3 of England's population. Believed to be bubonic plague spread by fleas on rats. So many people died that peasants could demand higher wages — the feudal system began to break down.
Key Vocabulary
- Norman Conquest, Feudal system, Motte and Bailey, Domesday Book, Magna Carta, Black Death
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