Introduction
The feudal system, a hierarchical structure of landholding and social obligations, existed in England before 1066. However, the Norman Conquest marked a turning point. William the Conqueror's victory at the Battle of Hastings ushered in a new era, profoundly altering the English landscape both literally and figuratively.
Thesis statement: The feudal system under the Normans was important because it revolutionized land ownership, established a rigid social hierarchy, and provided the monarchy with a powerful military force, fundamentally shaping English society and governance for centuries.

Body Paragraph 1: Land Ownership and the Domesday Book
Upon his victory, William the Conqueror declared himself the ultimate owner of all English land. He confiscated the estates of Anglo-Saxon nobles who resisted him and strategically redistributed the land among his loyal Norman followers. This act of land redistribution formed the bedrock of Norman power in England.
To solidify his control and maximize revenue collection, William commissioned the Domesday Book in 1086. This unprecedented survey recorded all landholdings in England, detailing who owned what and its value. The Domesday Book was a powerful tool, enabling more efficient taxation and reinforcing William's authority by providing him with comprehensive knowledge of his new kingdom's resources.

Body Paragraph 2: The Feudal Hierarchy and Obligations
Norman feudalism operated as a pyramid structure with the king at its apex. Below him were the tenants-in-chief (barons), who received large estates directly from the king. The barons, in turn, granted smaller portions of land (fiefs) to knights in exchange for military service. At the bottom of the hierarchy were the peasants, who worked the land.
This system was bound by vassalage, a relationship of mutual obligation. Lords granted land (fiefs) to their vassals in exchange for loyalty, military service, and other forms of support. The Normans formalized certain aspects of feudal obligations. For example, knights were typically required to provide 40 days of military service per year. Additionally, the Normans introduced "feudal incidents," which were taxes or payments levied upon inheritance, marriage, or other significant events.

Body Paragraph 3: Military Implications and Control
Feudalism was more than a social and economic system; it was the backbone of Norman military power. By obligating his lords to provide knights, William secured a formidable standing army ready to quell rebellions and defend the realm from invasion. This military structure, built on the foundation of landholding and vassalage, was crucial for maintaining Norman control over a newly conquered population.
William's strategic distribution of land further strengthened his grip on power. He deliberately avoided granting large, contiguous territories to any single lord, preventing the emergence of powerful rivals who might challenge his authority. This fragmented distribution of land, coupled with the strategic construction of castles, solidified Norman military dominance.
Castles, imposing symbols of Norman power, dotted the landscape. Built using resources and manpower extracted through the feudal system, these strongholds served as military bases, administrative centers, and stark reminders of Norman authority.

Body Paragraph 4: Social and Economic Impact
Norman feudalism had a profound impact on English society, solidifying a rigid social hierarchy. Land ownership became the primary determinant of status and power. Those who held land directly from the king enjoyed significant privileges and influence.
At the bottom of the social ladder were the peasantry, the vast majority of the population. They were bound to the land under the manorial system. Peasants worked the land owned by their lord, paying rent and providing labor services in exchange for protection and the right to cultivate a portion of land for their sustenance. Opportunities for social mobility were limited, though not entirely absent. Some peasants could improve their lot through specialized skills or by joining the Church.

Conclusion
The Norman feudal system was undeniably important in shaping the course of English history. It revolutionized land ownership, established a rigid social hierarchy, and provided the monarchy with a formidable military apparatus. Its impact resonated for centuries, influencing the development of English law, governance, and social structures. The Domesday Book, a testament to the Normans' administrative prowess, continues to be an invaluable resource for historians today, offering a detailed snapshot of 11th-century England. The feudal system, with its emphasis on land, loyalty, and military service, became deeply entrenched in English society, leaving an enduring legacy that extended far beyond the medieval period.