The Irony of English Feudalism
C. Warren Hollister
Everyone is familiar with the story of how William Conqueror brought feudalism to England. Despite some recent voices contrary, medievalists are for most part inclined agree that Norman Conquest introduced fief into a previously non-feudal land. Moreover, since did not arise in England gradually and its own accord but instead was imposed from above by an all-powerful conqueror, it usually described as more symmetrical — “perfect” than Continent. One historian, reflecting views many others, asserted recently years after 1066 “England became perfectly feudal kingdom West.” It well be wary, however, too much perfection institution such feudalism. always possible identifying at particular point time space or “nearly perfect” one being misled surface appearances which accompany decay. As institutions become less relevant their societies, they apt, while least, assume appearance increasing orderliness, selfconscious coherence, formalism. These tendencies have been noted number sociologists no means escaped attention Professor Parkinson. To determine whether apply so-called model both hazardous difficult, effort must made. So has written on question any real traces can detected before may prove refreshing scrutinize critically “ideal” state post-Conquest times, particularly if shown Anglo-Norman so perfect all.
Journal of British Studies