To assure power William I decided to apply a new system. Feudalism was a chain to be in contact with all his vassals but it was also a mean to assure loyalty.

1. FEUDALISM

2. WILLIAM
 Careful with land
 Gave land to captains in return for
nobles serving him in
war
Norman
nobles
Church
William

3. KINGDOM`S ORGANISATION
Sheriff (balance to local nobles)
FEUDAL SYSTEM: holding of land and
economic purpose
Vassals in return for services and goods
“EVERY MAN HAD A LORD, EVERY LORD
HAND LAND” (responsabilities: land and
protection)

4. GREATER NOBLES gave land to:
- Lesser nobles
- Knights
- Freemen (some of them paid by doing
military service; others)
HOMAGE: loyalty and service

5. ECONOMIC SURVEY
Plan his economy
Find out how much was produced
How much William could ask in tax
DOMESDAY BOOK

6. ECONOMIC SURVEY
Plan his economy
Find out how much was produced
How much William could ask in tax
DOMESDAY BOOK