HISTORY OF ENGLAND FOR 1066 TO 1400

THE FEUDAL SYSTEM

Nov 1, 1066

The feudal system was introduced by the Normans when they conquered England.
With the feudal system the society was higly hierarchised into classes.

MAGNA CARTA

Nov 1, 1215

King John signs the Magna Carta, it was a document wich limited the powers of the sovereign in favour of the barons.
With the signing of Magna Carta feudal system began it slow decline.

MODEL PARLIAMENT

Nov 1, 1295

When Henry III became king the England was governed by a group of barons.
Edward I continued the experiment when he became king in 1272. The meeting of this council, know as the 'Model Parliament' and included:
-representatives of the barons
-the clergy
-two knights from each country
-two citizens from each town

THE BLACK DEATH

Nov 1, 1347

The black death was one of the greatest human tragedies ever experienced in Europe. This plague, know as the black death becase the body went dark-coloured after death, was caused by fleas living on black rats which infested ships trading in Europe.

THE PEASANTS' REVOLT

Nov 1, 1381

The black death decimeted the population and especially the peasants, who were essential for woerking the land, but were underpaid and exploited.
Economic and socio-political chaos blew up when villagers started the Peasants' Revolte to demand greater rights.