The 1100s (12th century) in England was a period of transition and growth, marked by significant political changes, social evolution, and cultural developments. The century began in the aftermath of the Norman Conquest and ended with the early Plantagenet dynasty consolidating power. Here's a detailed look at England during this time:

Historical Context and Governance

• Monarchs:

Henry I (r. 1100–1135):

• Henry I was the youngest son of William the Conqueror. His reign was marked by administrative reforms, including strengthening the royal treasury through the introduction of the Exchequer.
• He issued the Charter of Liberties, a precursor to the Magna Carta, promising good governance and respect for baronial rights.
• Henry’s death in 1135, without a male heir, led to a succession crisis.

The Anarchy (1135–1153):

• After Henry I’s death, England plunged into civil war between his daughter Matilda and her cousin Stephen of Blois, who seized the throne.
• This period, known as The Anarchy, was characterized by widespread lawlessness, baronial feuding, and suffering among the populace.

Henry II (r. 1154–1189):

• The conflict ended with the ascension of Henry II, Matilda’s son, and the founder of the Plantagenet dynasty.
• Henry II restored royal authority, implemented judicial reforms, and expanded the power of the monarchy, establishing a legal system that became the basis for English common law.
• His reign was also marked by conflict with the Church, particularly with Thomas Becket, the Archbishop of Canterbury, who was murdered in 1170.

Society and Daily Life

Feudal System:

• The Norman Conquest in 1066 had entrenched the feudal system. Land was held from the king in exchange for military service, creating a hierarchy of lords, knights, and peasants.
• The majority of the population were serfs or villeins who worked on manorial estates.

Norman Influence:

• The Norman ruling class continued to dominate, blending with the Anglo-Saxon population. This fusion gradually shaped England’s culture and governance.

Urbanization:

• Towns grew slowly, with London, Winchester, and Norwich serving as key urban centers. Markets and fairs facilitated trade and social interaction.

Religion:

• The Church played a central role in every aspect of life. Monasteries were not only religious centers but also hubs of education, health care, and charity.

Gender Roles:

• Women had limited rights and were largely confined to domestic roles. Noblewomen, however, could wield significant influence through marriage alliances and landownership.

Economy

Agriculture:

• England’s economy was predominantly agricultural, organized around manorial estates. Innovations like the heavy plow and the three-field system improved productivity.

Trade:

• The wool trade began to grow, though it would not reach its peak until later centuries.
• Ports like London and Southampton facilitated trade with Normandy and Flanders.

Currency:

• The economy was based on a silver penny. Henry I attempted to reform the currency system, but coin clipping and counterfeiting remained issues.

Culture and Learning

Language:

• The Norman elite spoke Norman French, while the Anglo-Saxon populace continued using Old English. Over time, these languages merged, creating Middle English.

Literature:

• Chronicles like the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle and writings by figures such as Geoffrey of Monmouth (History of the Kings of Britain) reflected the era's historical and mythical interests.

Education:

• Monastic schools and cathedral schools were the primary centers of education.
• Universities had not yet been established in England, but scholarly exchanges with the continent were common.

Architecture:

• The 1100s were a golden age of Romanesque architecture, known in England as Norman architecture.
• Notable constructions include Durham Cathedral, the White Tower of the Tower of London, and several abbeys and castles.

Conflicts and Wars

Norman Expansion:

• Norman rulers maintained close ties to their continental holdings, particularly Normandy.
• Conflicts with France over territories, especially under Henry II, foreshadowed the struggles that would define Anglo-French relations.

The Anarchy:

• The civil war during Stephen’s reign devastated the countryside and undermined royal authority.

Wales and Scotland:

• Norman expansion into Wales continued, with castles like Chepstow and Caerphilly built to consolidate control.
• Relations with Scotland fluctuated between conflict and uneasy peace.

Religion and the Church

Church Reforms:

• The Gregorian reforms, aiming to strengthen papal authority and clerical celibacy, influenced the English Church.
• Henry II’s conflict with Thomas Becket underscored tensions between secular and ecclesiastical power.

Pilgrimage:

• Pilgrimages were a common expression of faith. Sites like Canterbury, especially after Becket’s martyrdom, became major destinations.

Monasticism:

• The 1100s saw the rise of new monastic orders, including the Cistercians, who emphasized simplicity and austerity. Foundations like Rievaulx Abbey were established during this time.

Challenges

Lawlessness:

• The Anarchy disrupted governance, leading to widespread crime and instability.

Natural Disasters:

• Famine and harsh winters occasionally struck, affecting agricultural output and causing suffering.

The 12th century in England was a transformative era. It bridged the Norman Conquest's immediate aftermath and the establishment of the Plantagenet dynasty, with foundational developments in governance, legal systems, and cultural integration that would shape the country for centuries.