Pearson Edexcel · GCSE · History
Course version: 1HI0 · Version from Sept 2016
Key topic 2: William I in power: securing the kingdom, 1066–87 - 3 The…
Full specification wording
Option B1: Key topic 2: William I in power: securing the kingdom, 1066–87 - 3 The legacy of resistance to 1087: Changes in landownership from Anglo-Saxon to Norman, 1066–87.
Between 1066 and 1087, landownership in England underwent a radical transformation from Anglo-Saxon to Norman control.
Checked against the Pearson Edexcel 1HI0 specification (opens in a new tab) on .
- Point 2 of 2
- 4 key terms
Study notes
From the checked teaching notes for this specification point.
The idea
Between 1066 and 1087, landownership in England underwent a radical transformation from Anglo-Saxon to Norman control. Following the Battle of Hastings, William I claimed all English land, initially allowing some Anglo-Saxons to buy back their estates. However, widespread rebellions led to massive confiscations. By 1087, the Anglo-Saxon aristocracy was almost entirely replaced; only a tiny fraction of land remained in English hands. William redistributed this land to his loyal Norman followers, creating a new elite of tenants-in-chief. This shift consolidated Norman power, as land was now held directly from the king in exchange for military service, fundamentally altering the social and political landscape of England.
What earns the marks
- Explain that William I claimed ownership of all land in England by right of conquest.
- Describe how Anglo-Saxon earls initially retained some land but lost it following rebellions (e.g., Edwin and Morcar).
- Detail the redistribution of confiscated land to Norman barons and loyal supporters as a reward and control mechanism.
- Analyse the dramatic reduction in Anglo-Saxon landownership by 1087, noting that almost all major landowners were Norman.
Common mistakes and how to put them right
Stating that William confiscated all Anglo-Saxon land immediately in 1066.
Put it right by explaining that confiscations happened gradually, mostly after rebellions.
Believing that Anglo-Saxon peasants lost their land.
Put it right by clarifying that the changes primarily affected the aristocracy and major landowners, not the peasantry.
Confusing the Anglo-Saxon system with the Norman feudal system.
Put it right by emphasising that under William, all land was ultimately owned by the Crown.
Exam tips
- Use specific statistics or examples, such as the Domesday Book revealing that only a tiny percentage of land was held by Anglo-Saxons in 1086.
- Link changes in landownership directly to William's need to secure the kingdom against resistance.
- When evaluating the impact of the Norman Conquest, highlight landownership as the most significant change for the English elite.
Try the lesson
The start of the Option B1: Key topic 2: William I in power: securing the kingdom, 1066–87 - 3 The legacy of resistance to 1087: Changes in landownership from Anglo-Saxon to Norman, 1066–87. lesson, made from checked teaching notes for this specification point.
Have a go first
By 1087, what was the most significant change to landownership in England compared to 1066?
Listen
Between 1066 and 1087, landownership in England underwent a radical transformation from Anglo-Saxon to Norman control. Following the Battle of Hastings, William I claimed all English land, initially allowing some Anglo-Saxons to buy back their estates. However, widespread rebellions led to massive confiscations. By 1087, the Anglo-Saxon aristocracy was almost entirely replaced; only a tiny fraction of land remained in English hands. William redistributed this land to his loyal Norman followers, creating a new elite of tenants-in-chief. This shift consolidated Norman power, as land was now held directly from the king in exchange for military service, fundamentally altering the social and political landscape of England. A strong answer earns marks for these points. Explain that William I claimed ownership of all land in England by right of conquest. Describe how Anglo-Saxon earls initially retained some land but lost it following rebellions (e.g., Edwin and Morcar). Detail the redistribution of confiscated land to Norman barons and loyal supporters as a reward and control mechanism. Analyse the dramatic reduction in Anglo-Saxon landownership by 1087, noting that almost all major landowners were Norman. A common slip: Stating that William confiscated all Anglo-Saxon land immediately in 1066. Instead, explaining that confiscations happened gradually, mostly after rebellions. Exam tip: Use specific statistics or examples, such as the Domesday Book revealing that only a tiny percentage of land was held by Anglo-Saxons in 1086.
Key words
Say what each word means before you turn the card.
Power and authority
Try answering aloud or in your head before turning the card.
Rebellion and control
Try answering aloud or in your head before turning the card.
Social hierarchy
Try answering aloud or in your head before turning the card.
Normanisation
Try answering aloud or in your head before turning the card.
See every definition
- Power and authority
- William I claimed ownership of all land in England by right of conquest, and land was held directly from the king in exchange for military service.
- Rebellion and control
- Widespread rebellions led to massive confiscations, and confiscated land was redistributed to Norman barons and loyal supporters as a reward and control mechanism.
- Social hierarchy
- By 1087 the Anglo-Saxon aristocracy was almost entirely replaced, with only a tiny fraction of land remaining in English hands, while changes primarily affected the aristocracy and major landowners, not the peasantry.
- Normanisation
- Landownership underwent a radical transformation from Anglo-Saxon to Norman control, creating a new elite of tenants-in-chief and consolidating Norman power.
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