William of Normandy:

• William (cousin of Edward the Confessor) laid claim to the throne
• King Harold defeated at Hastings in 1066
• Norman domination of Saxon forces (stirrup advantage for cavalry)
• Norman-French/Anglo-Saxon culture mixed

Reign of William the Conqueror (1066-1087):

• England = Royal possession (20% of England as royal demesne)
• Domesday Book: Survey/records of English wealth/possessions
• Oath of Salisbury Plain: All vassals pledged loyalty to king
  Result: Strong centralized monarchy in England
• Improved system of taxation and royal courts

Henry II (1154-1189):

• Exchequer: royal treasury (collection/counting process)
• Expanded royal court jurisdiction
• Common law: laws that were common to the entire kingdom
• Church conflict: Thomas Becket (Archbishop of Canterbury)

King John (1199-1216) & the Magna Carta:

• Rebellious nobles forced John to agree to the Magna Carta
• Feudal liberties: recognized mutual rights and obligations
• Great Council: Consultation regarding taxes
• Basis for a limited monarchy (rather than absolute)

Edward I (1272-1307)/Parliament:

• Attempted to unify British Isles/conflict with Scotland
• Development of Parliament:
  Great Council/knights/burgesses invited
  Requested consent to new taxes (first Parliament, 1295)
• House of Lords (Barons/Church lords)
• House of Commons (Knights/Burgesses)