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The Effects Of The Norman Conquest On Anglo-Saxon Aristocracy, Cynthia L. Puryear

Honors Theses

In 1066, William the Conqueror successfully invaded England. He established himself as king and began to implement his policies for complete control over the subjugated territory. The Norman invasion did not involve a large influx of people: but, rather a conquest by a man who acquired the country for himself and distributed the land to his followers. The old English aristocracy, mainly composed of the king's thegns, virtually disappeared with the conquest and was replaced by a new aristocracy.

The near disappearance of the English aristocrats and their replacement by Normans holding land in return for military service was an …