The feudal system
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Part 1
Many societies have been divided, but the Normans were the first to enforce the feudal system rigidly.
Without the Romans’ protection that had lasted for 400 years, medieval Europe was violent and dangerous. Why do you think this gave rise to feudalism?
Write down what the following words mean:
Fief . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lord . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Vassal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Sheriff . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tithe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Villeinage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Part 2
Once William became the king of England, he did not want the English nobles to keep their estates,
in case they became too powerful between them and tried to overthrow him. He also gave land to his
supporters in recognition of their support, but he insisted that they perform duties as well. This system
of duties and rewards was called the ‘feudal system’.
Your task is to find out about the feudal system and the different roles and positions of the king,
barons, knights and peasants. Find out about different classes of people and how they felt. Find out
about the role of women – their lack of rights and their difficult lives. Using the discussion you have
had in class and other resources, you are to write a diary entry for one day, from the point of view of
two people from the feudal system (so two entries from two different viewpoints). Describe a day in
the life for each person, explain that person’s responsibilities within the feudal system and make clear
the differing lives, roles and expectations of each.
http://education.hodge.continuumbooks.com © Susie Hodge (2010)
Resources for Teaching History 11–14. London: Continuum.