The ancient history and literature of England

Extract

[...] The Norman Kings of England were William I (who reigned from 1066 to 1087), William II (1087-1110), Henry I (1110-1135) and Stephen (1135-1154). They introduced into England that system of land tenure commonly called feudalism, by which all men were supposed to hold their hands from the King and were bound to serve him in time of war. Rebellions rose in several parts of England, but were easily put down. The Norman Kings gave the Church an independent jurisdiction, and the Church helped them against the Norman barons, who were a menace to the peace of the country, not being willing to submit to any authority. [...]

[...] The ancient history and literature of England English conquest of Britain The Romans, following their usual policy, had destroyed all jealousies among the British tribes, but, at the same time, had destroyed their power of self-defense. When the last Roman garrison was withdrawn in 410, Britain was like a derelict ship. The and the from the North of Scotland and from Ireland, and several Teutonic tribes from the Continent, began to make furious incursions into the country. The most formidable of these invaders were those coming from the Continent ( and who, after having helped the Britons to crush the Picts and the Scots, turned their arms against the Britons themselves, defeated them in many battles and treated them without mercy. [...]

[...] Before very long almost all the people of England were Christians, and many churches and monasteries were built. Augustine was consecrated Bishop of the English, and he fixed his monastery in Canterbury, which has ever since remained head see of the English church. He died in 604. The Normans in England The Normans spoke the French language, but they were of Germany stock and had been Latinized only in recent times. That made it possible for them to amalgamate during the following centuries with the kindred Germanic people whom they had conquered. [...]