European Kingdoms

In 1066 William

the Conqueror defeated

the English at the Battle

of Hastings.

Normandy

Normans introduce feudalism to

EnglandThe

Norman rulers of England

claim large amounts of land in France.

King Henry II and Common Law

• King Henry II issued the Constitutions of Clarendon in 1164.

• This set up royal courts which judged people in courts, replacing the feudal lords who dealt justice before.

• It made a “Common Law” that all people had to follow.

• It also said the king’s court would try clergy accused of crimes – this angered the church.

The Magna Carta

King John I was an unlucky king. His armies lost wars and land against the French. He had to raise taxes to pay for

his Crusading brother (Richard the Lionheart).

The nobles and the clergy (church) rebelled against King

John.

In 1215 they forced him to sign the Magna Carta.

He agreed not to raise taxes or declare war without the

consent (agreement) of the nobles, who met in the Great

Council.

Model Parliament• In 1295, Edward I (John’s grandson) made a governing body called the Model Parliament.

• This body included commoners and lower-ranking clergy

Normandy