The beginnings of Feudalism in the

Middle Ages

The year is 1066…a couple of years before Mrs. Harrah was born.

There’s a war going on in London, England (EUROPE).

There’s a battle called the Battle of Hastings. Hastings is a town near

London, England.

William the Conqueror is leading the battle.

From the town of Hastings, he crossed the Thames River.

William entered London, England and CONQUERED the

townspeople.

London, England was now ALL his.

Battle of Hastings Summary

The Saxons (London)

William the Conqueror kicks butt BUT he needs to keep control of

the people. He needs order!

William the Conqueror has all the power BUT he needs to keep it.

Here’s his idea…he sets up a feudal system.

Let’s start at the bottom with the PEASANTS or SERFS.

This group had it rough.

They owned nothing, worked like slaves, and usually didn’t live past

the age of 20.

Second from the bottom were the KNIGHTS or LORDS

Knights or Lords

Controlled the serfs and owned a wee bit land. The deal was

though…if the king needed their protection, they had to risk death to

protect him.

Above the Knights or Lords were the NOBLES and CHURCH

OFFICIALS.

Life wasn’t too bad for the NOBLES and CHURCH OFFICIALS

Nobles were given huge chunks of land (manors) as long as they

remained loyal to the King.

The Nobles owned the Knights and would buy them. When the king

needed protection, the Nobles sent him their knights

Next up is the KING and QUEEN who lived like kings and queens!

KINGS and QUEENS controlled EVERYBODY except for the

CATHOLIC CHURCH.

The Catholic Church had priests…

…and nuns who all worshipped GOD.

Unfortunately, the church was supposed to represent GOOD but that wasn’t always the case. The

Church was rich for a reason.

The person who represents the Catholic church is the POPE.

Manor Description

Modern Day Medieval Reenactments

Medieval Fair Modern Day

Knights Match Medieval Fair

Kids at Medieval Fair in United Kingdom

Medieval Fairs continued.

• Sword Fight on Horseback

• Sword Fight

Black Death or Bubonic Plague

Cart and Black Death

Musical Instruments of Medieval Ages

Jig on Hammer Dulcimer

Tin Whistle

Harp Guitar

Mind YOUR Manners