'The Norman Conquest (1066) led to significant changes in law enforcement in medieval England.' How far do you agree? Explain your answer - Edexcel - GCSE History - Question 5 - 2019 - Paper 1

The Norman Conquest of 1066 certainly introduced significant changes to law enforcement in medieval England but it's important to analyze both the prior systems and the transformations that occurred.

Changes Introduced

1. Wergild: Under Anglo-Saxon law, wergild was a system of compensation paid to the family of a murdered individual. Post-Conquest, the Normans utilized a more centralized control of justice, where monetary compensation was still acknowledged but often replaced or supplemented by harsher penalties.

2. Tithings: The tithing system, which was prevalent before the Conquest, was maintained but altered. Normans developed the system to ensure better community accountability, adjusting the structure to align with feudal law that emphasized loyalty to lords and kings more than the village community itself.

Continuity and Change

While there were reforms under Norman rule, continuity existed in some practices. Local communities still played a role in enforcement through tithings. However, the emphasis shifted to a centralized power under the monarchy, where the King had ultimate authority over justice, further marginalizing local customs.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Norman Conquest indeed led to significant changes in law enforcement, particularly through the adaptation of existing systems to fit central authority. The balance between traditional practices and new methods defined the legal landscape in medieval England, illustrating that while changes were substantial, the ancestral systems still influenced the outcomes. Overall, it is fair to agree that substantial change occurred, but it was a blend of both continuity and innovation.