They required allegiance to the kings, efficient tax collection, knowledge/control of every bit of their land.
During the early Middle Ages, Angles, Saxons, and Vikings invaded and settled in England. Although feudalism developed, English rulers generally kept their kingdoms united.
In 1066, the Anglo-Saxon king, Edward died without an heir. Two men, William and Harold, laid claim to the vacant throne. To settle the dispute, William sailed across the English Channel from Normandy to battle Harold, Edward’s brother-in-law.
At the Battle of Hastings, William and his Norman knights triumphed over Harold. William the Conqueror, as he was now called, ascended the throne of England.
Although William’s French-speaking nobles, or barons, dominated England, the country’s Anglo-Saxon population survived. Over the next 300 years, Norman-French and Anglo-Saxon customs, languages, and traditions gradually blended.
William exerted firm control over his new lands. He required every vassal to swear first allegiance to him rather than to any other feudal lord.
Realizing that knowledge is power, William had a complete census taken in 1086. The information he gathered helped him and later English monarchs build an efficient system of tax collecting. Royal wealth and authority continued to increase.
To learn more, take time to read this study guide: Democratic Developments in England from mcsold1.monet.k12.ca.us.