After the Norman Conquest in 1066, William faced a difficult challenge.

He had defeated Harold at the Battle of Hastings, but many English people still resisted Norman rule.

William needed a system that would:

• Keep control of England
• Reward loyal supporters
• Raise armies quickly
• Prevent rebellions
• Strengthen Norman power

To achieve this, William used the feudal system.

The feudal system organised society into different levels based on land, loyalty and service.

Land became the key to power.

In this lesson, you will learn:

• What the feudal system was
• Why William used it after 1066
• How land and loyalty were connected
• The roles of kings, barons, knights and peasants
• How the feudal system helped William control England
• The strengths and weaknesses of the system