How did Norman culture influence English society post-1066?

Norman culture significantly influenced English society post-1066 through changes in language, architecture, governance, and law.

The most immediate and lasting impact of the Norman Conquest was the introduction of the French language to England. The Normans spoke a dialect of Old French, and as they took over the ruling class, French became the language of the court, administration, and culture. This led to a significant influx of French words into the English language, particularly in the areas of law, government, art, and literature. Even today, many legal terms in English are of French origin, such as 'jury', 'evidence', and 'verdict'. This linguistic influence also extended to the naming of people and places, with many English towns acquiring French names and many English people adopting French first names.

In terms of architecture, the Normans introduced the Romanesque style, which was characterised by rounded arches, barrel vaults, and thick walls. This was a stark contrast to the Anglo-Saxon style, which was simpler and used primarily wood. The Normans built impressive stone castles, churches, and monasteries throughout England, many of which still stand today. These structures served not only as fortifications and places of worship, but also as symbols of Norman power and dominance.

The Normans also brought significant changes to governance and law. They replaced the Anglo-Saxon elite with a new Norman aristocracy, fundamentally altering the social structure of England. The Normans introduced the feudal system, where land was granted in return for military service, creating a hierarchy of lords and vassals. This system was more structured and hierarchical than the Anglo-Saxon system, and it helped the Normans to consolidate their control over the country.

In terms of law, the Normans centralised the legal system, establishing royal courts and appointing sheriffs to enforce the law in the shires. They also introduced new legal concepts, such as the 'murdrum' fine for killing a Norman, which reflected their desire to protect their own people and assert their authority over the English.

In conclusion, the Norman Conquest had a profound and lasting impact on English society, influencing the language, architecture, governance, and law in ways that are still evident today.