Below is a detailed article about Norman Barons in England during the Norman era. The Barons hold a nobility and ranking in English society. This title is often hereditary and is passed down from generation to generations. The Norman barons in the Norman era were the right hand to the Norman King. Let us learn more about them below.
Norman Barons of England
Contents
During the Norman Era in England, the hierarchy after the King was the Barons. They were the aristocrats of the Norman era. They were also known as the tenants in chief or the men that owned the lands and were responsible for it.
There were many men that were Norman and fought the Battle of Hastings alongside William the Conqueror. These men were later rewarded for the chivalry and loyalty toward the King. They were given the title of the Baron and also rewarded with large areas of land in England. 170 barons were distributed with large pieces of land after the Battle of Hastings in England.
They became the nobles of England and were the right of the Norman Kings throughout the Norman era. All of their details were maintained in the Domesday book after the Great Survey of 1086 AD. They were new landowners of England and their nobility passed down from generation to generation.
They were also amongst the Crusaders that accompanied King William the Conqueror in his expedition to conquer Jerusalem, the Holy Land. These times experienced massive changes in reforms in the Baron families and cultures. The Barons rose to power with their military and political service to the Kings. Many of the women, married the Barons and became Baroness’s and rose to power in the society. These barons went on to construct nearly 6000 different manors in England on the pieces of land provided to them by William the Conqueror.
Baronial Holdings in the Norman era
The Barons were granted land per ‘baronium’. This was a feudal contract that was offered to the Barons after their ‘Knight Service’. All the Barons were a part of the Parliament that is they were included in the House of Lords. They were a part of the Kings Council. To attain an inherited baronage, all dues with the King must be cleared first and only then the inherited member is allowed to obtain baronage. There is also a certain tax levied on them that must be paid up before the baronage is granted.
There was a ceremony that took place in the King’s palace before the baronage was granted.
Notable Norman Barons of England
Turstin FitzRolf – He was the standard bearer of King William the Conqueror in the Battle of Hastings. He cheerful accepted this duty which was appointed by the Pope. He was given a large piece of land and according to the Domesday Book, he owned 20 manors in the Norman era. He was loyal to the King at all times and took up the noble job of putting the Kings life before his in the battalion grounds.
William of Poitiers – An author of the Norman era that wrote a biography about the Duke of Normandy – William. It was called ‘Gesta Guillelmi II Ducis Normannorum’ translated as ‘The Deeds of William II, Duke of the Normans’. It was a biography about William the conqueror. He also recorded detailed incidents from the Battle of Hastings and the Norman Conquest of England.
Robert de Beaumont, later 1st Earl of Leicester – A brave and courageous commander who was the head of the troop in many expeditions in the time of King Henry of the Norman era. He was young but known more for his valour and team spirit.
Eustace II – He is known for fighting to the very best of his ability in a battle with King William the Conqueror who had him struck to death as Eustace could not continue to fight on the battlegrounds.
William, Count of Evreax – William was born to Richard, Count of Évreux, and his wife, Godchildis who was also called Countess Adelaide. He was one of the bravest Norman commanders and was also known for his service and dedication.
Nature of the Norman Barons
The Barons were witty and courageous in nature, always ready to serve the court. They resorted to their Viking roots of restlessness and the spirit of warfare. They were excellent participants of the war and showed immense bravery by taking the Kings position and keeping him safe before themselves. Many of them have been crusaders which not only shows their bravery but also shows their dedication to Christianity.
They were also quite involved in political decisions made by the King. They helped the Norman King in the administration of the Kingdom of England. It cannot be denied that the Barn families fostered feudalism. They also involved in politics as they were included in the House of Lords in the Parliament of England.
