The Aristocracy of Norman England (Paperback or Softback)

This book provides the first rounded account of the new ruling elite of England in the century after 1066. It focuses on four main themes: land, power, politics, and society (including, specifically, the role of women)., This book provides the first rounded account of the new ruling elite of England in the century after 1066. It deals with the revolution in landholding by which the old English aristocracy was swept aside, and the nature of aristocratic power, as demonstrated by the control of castles and knights, and lordship over men and land. The book stresses the vitality of aristocratic power throughout the period, particularly during the civil war under King Stephen. The part played by kinship and family in building up and extending influence are emphasized, and a separate chapter is devoted to the crucial role played by women in the transmission of land. The role of aristocratic benefactors in the wave of generosity which brought great wealth to the church is also examined and, finally, the extent to which the newcomers identified themselves with the country they had conquered., This book provides the first rounded account of the new and highly influential ruling elite of England in the century after the Norman conquest of 1066, in which the old English aristocracy was swept aside. It focuses on four main themes: land (the transfer of land to the aristocracy, and the organization of the great estates), power (the nature of power and its vitality), politics (the aims and strategies of the nobles), and society (kinship, the role of women, and piety).