How did William the Conqueror rule England?

Answer 1

He brutally suppressed any opposition, and is renowned for his infamous act of 'harrying of the North' in which he laid ruin 150 square miles of Yorksire and parts of Lincolnshire, killing all inhabitants and animals plus destroying crops by burning them.This was considered even in those rurthless times to be a war crime.

Answer 2

He conquerored England by doing a trick by pretending to run away. The English shield weakend as some of Harold Godwinson's army ran down the hill to chase William away. Once the shield had broke William's army turned back and killed the men that had ran down the hill. The shield was then weak enough so they could kill the people forming the shield. Arrows were shot and one went in Harold's eye.

William the Conqueror's rule of England was harsh, but fair. To subdue England after he conquered it, he replaced most of the existing Anglo-Saxons with Norman nobility who accompanied him or financially supported him and who were utterly faithful to him. A substantial number of Normans came to England with William, and waves of Normans followed over the course of the next few decades. Most of these were fiercely loyal to the Conqueror.

By instituting feudal law, he placed local control in the hands of his barons and earls. The barons and earls in turn were responsible for ensuring order and aiding the king in putting down insurrections. He also strategically placed powerful earls and barons (renowned fighters) along especially volatile borders of England to increase his domination of England. This was a structure similar to that of France's and Normandy's nobility.

William was quick to show harsh "justice" to rebels and traitors. His justice ranged from severing limbs, putting out eyes, and/or even death. Fear was a substantial element of his reign.

The Conqueror also used the tools available to every king of that time. He could force marriage alliances on his relatives and nobles that would benefit his rule and strengthen his kingdom.

Through the Domesday survey, which was similar to a census in combination with a property and asset inventory, he instituted a system of taxes that could be oppressive, if necessary.

Finally, since duchies and baronies were given by the King, they could also be taken back by the King. William could confiscate the holdings of dukes, earls, and barons; so, it was in their best interests to serve the King as best they could.

King William will used all his royal resources to rule England.

Answer 3

In his time land determined wealth, so he would give land to men who he wanted to control. If they formed an alliance with someone else against him they lost the land and their lives. He was able to control the fractions that went against him through wars, marriage, and the giving of titles and land.

Answer 4

William the conqueror built castles, using forced labour. They looked imposing, and kept the people in check.

Answer 5

William the Conqueror brought Feudalism to completion in England. He also compiled detailed land and property records, and controlled the barons.

Answer 6

By taking it away from the Saxon lords and distributing it amongst his own followers.