Not all manors were held by laymen lords who rendered military service or paid cash to their superior . A substantial share ( estimated by value at 17 % in England in 1086 ) belonged directly to the king , and a greater proportion ( rather more than a quarter ) were held by bishops and monasteries . Nor were manors held necessarily by lay lords rendering military service ( or again , cash in lieu ) to their superior : a substantial share ( estimated by value at 17 % in England in 1086 ) belonged directly to the king , and a greater proportion ( rather more than a quarter ) were held by bishoprics and monasteries .