Key Terms 1

Atheling

Atheling

A noble rank developed in England, and later found in Wales. It was held by men of royal descent who formed a pool of princes from which a new king might be selected, and in Wales (as edling) applied to a king's designated heir

Harold Godwinson

Most powerful Saxon noble, became king of England in 1066 after death of Edward the Confessor, ruled for brief time until defeated and killed at the Battle of Hastings

William the Conqueror

Duke of Normandy who invaded England in 1066 and claimed the English crown

Feudalism

A political system in which nobles are granted the use of lands that legally belong to their king, in exchange for their loyalty, military service, and protection of the people who live on the land

Lord and Vassal

A vassal served a lord on his land and in his army in exchange for protection, land and gold.

Baron

Powerful aristocrat

Domesday Book

A record of all the property and holdings in England commissioned by William in 1066 so he could determine the extent of his lands and wealth

Exchequer

Accounting system created by Henry I to keep tabs on the lords

Eleanor of Aquitane

One of the most powerful people (woman) of the middle ages. She was a vassal for the King of France and ruled Aquitane, she later became Queen when she married the King of France Louis V11, then divorced him and married the King of England. She had several kids, 2 of her sons became Kings of England.

Conciliar Government

Government comprised of a council -In the Middle Ages, conciliar governments were frequently regency councils acting on behalf of a monarch who was in minority or absent from the country.

Common Law

a system of law based on precedent and customs

Plantagenet

the line of kings started by Henry II

International Nobility

Nobles across multiple nations (?)