The Early Middle Ages (1066-1300)

The coronation of William the Conqueror in 1066 marked the start of a new age for England. All land belonged to the king but he gave it to nobles in exchange for a part of the produce of the land and a promise to serve him in a war for a certain period each year. The nobles, in turn, gave part of their lands to knights or other freemen, who contributed military service or, in some cases, rent. The last link in the chain were the serfs who worked on the land but were not free to leave it and were little more than slaves. One of William's outstanding achievements was a complete economic survey of the country carried out in 1086, which was popularly known as the Domesday Book.

Not surprisingly, during the Middle Ages one of the most important factors was the relationship between England and France: by marriage, war or inheritance the kings of England, at one time or another, could also claim possessions of vast areas of France. In particular, the reign of Henry II (1154-1189) this empire extended from the southern boarder of Scotland to the south of France, leaving the king of England controlling a greater area than the king of France. There was great conflict between church and state in this period: the King tried to gain more control over the Church. Henry's friend Thomas Becket became Archbishop of Canterbury in 1162, but soon argued with Henry and left the country. He returned in 1170, but the same year four of Henry's knights killed him in Canterbury Cathedral. The result was that Thomas became a saint and Canterbury an international shrine, attracting pilgrims from all over Europe. Henry was made to capitulate to the Pope, who managed to recover some Church privileges.

Henry was followed by Richard I (the Lionheart) who spent most of his time fighting in the Crusades and died in 1199. His brother John is known as an unpopular king who taxed the people heavily. In 1215, he was forced to sign the historic document, Magna Carta, which limited the king's powers and showed that feudalism was beginning to decline.

In 1265 there began a rudimentary form of parliament, a council of nobles who took control over finances (during the reign of Henry III) but the first really representative institution was created in the reign of Edward II (1272-1307). It included two commoners (freemen) from each town or shire. Its function was to provide money for the king by means of taxes. Edward also brought Wales under his control and engaged in a long struggle with Scotland, without success. He died in 1307 on the way to another battle.

After K. Brodey and F.Malgaretti

An Extract from the Late Middle English works criticizing the Church

I found there friars, from all the four orders

Preaching to the people for the benefit of their stomachs

Explaining the Bible as they wanted

For greed of cloaks interpreted it as they wished

Many of these masters can dress as they like

Because their money and their merchandise march [together]

Since charity is a good merchant and the best way to [confess lords]

Many strange things have happened in a few years.

Unless Holy Church and they cooperate more

The greatest disaster on earth is mounting up fast.

Source: Brodey K., Malgaretti F.