Conquest, colonization and cultural change in Eastern Suffolk, 1066-1166

Abstract

In the period between the eleventh and the thirteenth centuries migrations from the Frankish heartland into different parts of Europe created a situation in which we see the “Europeanization of Europe”. In the course of time, in terms of tenurial structure, landholding, ecclesiastical and military systems as well as onomastics, different regions of Europe implemented similar patterns. This thesis examines this process through a local study of eastern Suffolk in England between 1066 and 1166. In the first place, the identity, landholdings and tenants of the post-Conquest lords in eastern Suffolk are examined, looking at the origin of the lords, their relationship with the king and the date at which they acquired their lands. Secondly, the thesis deals with the administrative and landholding system and addresses the questions: how much they changed and how far this can be related to ‘feudalism’. Finally, military and ecclesiastical changes are discussed. The conclusion of the thesis is that, although “Europeanization” helps explain some of the changes, some things did not change, while others changed not so much through the spread of European practices as through the circumstances of postConquest England and eastern Suffolk.