Conquest, Anarchy and Lordship
Yorkshire, 1066–1154

This book, first published in 1994, studies aristocratic politics and government in Yorkshire in the century after 1066.

Paul Dalton (Author)

9780521450980, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 21 July 1994

368 pages, 24 maps
21.6 x 14 x 2.4 cm, 0.62 kg

"Dalton is good not only at reminding us of the shortcomings of the Domesday evidence, but also at showing how the silences of the great census may be explained in the context of his arguments." Emilie Amt, Albion

Focusing on Yorkshire, by far the largest English county, this book, first published in 1994, examines three of the most important themes in the period described by Sir Frank Stenton as 'the first century of English feudalism': the Norman conquest, the anarchy of Stephen's reign, and the nature of lordship and land tenure. In each case the book offers a strong challenge to dominant interpretations which will alter significantly our conception of Anglo-Norman politics and government. The first section of the book reveals that the Norman conquest of Yorkshire was a much more rapid and carefully controlled process than has been supposed; the second section examines the 'anarchy' of King Stephen's reign and its consequences; and the final section deals with lordship, one of the most significant aspects of medieval society. Offering many revisionary arguments throughout, the book will become essential reading on both 'the first century' and 'the legal framework' of English feudalism.

Introduction
1. The Norman conquest of Yorkshire
2. The transformation of Yorkshire 1066–1135: territorial consolidation and administrative integration
3. The transformation of Yorkshire 1086–1135: military enfeoffment and monasteries
4. The reign of Stephen
5. The Scots in the north
6. Cartae baronum, new enfeoffments and the nature of the honour
7. The first century of English feudalism.

Subject Areas: Early history: c 500 to c 1450/1500 [HBLC], British & Irish history [HBJD1]