Norman England

What system did William the Conqueror introduce to control society?

The feudal system, with Normans in the most powerful positions.

What was it a crime for serfs to do under the feudal system?

Run away from their lord.

What new type of land did William introduce, making hunting and collecting firewood illegal?

Royal forests.

What crime was created by the Forest Laws?

Poaching.

What is poaching an example of?

A social crime (illegal, but many saw it as unfair).

What happened to men aged 14+ who ran away to avoid trial?

They were declared outlaws.

What term was used for women who ran away?

Waived.

What was the consequence of being outlawed or waived?

Anyone could legally kill them.

Which famous legend is set in Norman forests and linked to social crimes?

Robin Hood.

Who was the leader of the brutal outlaw gang in the 14th century, and what was the gang called?

Eustace Folville led the Folville Gang.

How did Norman law enforcement differ from Anglo-Saxon?

It became more centralised, with less local community control.

What did William build across England to represent royal authority?

Castles.

Who enforced the Forest Laws?

Foresters, hired by William.

What new type of trial by ordeal did the Normans introduce?

Trial by combat.

Which two Anglo-Saxon systems of law enforcement continued under the Normans?

Tithings and the hue and cry.

What trend in punishment increased under the Normans?

Harsher punishments, especially executions.

What punishment was sometimes used instead of the death penalty?

Mutilation (branding, chopping off body parts).

What was the Harrying of the North, and who ordered it?

William destroyed farmland and killed animals in York after resistance, causing mass starvation.

What fine was introduced if a Norman was murdered and the killer not found?

The murdrum fine, paid by the hundred.

What happened to the system of wergild under the Normans?

It was ended; fines were paid to the king’s officials instead of victims’ families.