William the Conqueror

After William had won the Battle of Hastings he set about conquering the rest of England. By Christmas he had taken control of most of the South and on Christmas Day 1066, he was crowned King. King William now owned all the land in England. He lent much of it to the barons who promised to pay William money and provide him with soldiers for his army when he needed them. We call their promise to the King homage. William made sure that each barons land was dotted around the country. This made it hard for the barons to get together an army to fight the King. William also made everyone swear an oath of loyalty to him. Every man had to promise to support the King above everyone else.

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