CHAP. IV.

3 ° 3

WILLIAM the CONQUEROR.

Consequences of the battle of Hastings — Submission ofthe English — Settlement of the government —King’s return to Normandy — Discontents of theEnglish — Their insurrections — Rigors of theNorman government — New insurrections — Newrigors of the government — Introduction of thefeudal law — Innovation in ecclesiastical govern-ment — Insurrection of the Norman barons —Dilpute about investitures — Revolt of prince Ro-bert — Doomsday - book — The new forest — TV arwith France — Death —- and character of JYilliatnthe Conqueroi.

TOOTHING could exceed the consternationxviiich seized the English, when they receivedintelligence of the unfortunate battle of Hastings,the death of their king , the slaughter of theirprincipal nobility and of their bravest warriors,and the rout and dispersion of the remainder.But though the loss, which they had sustainedin that fatal action , was considerable, it mighthave been repaired by a great nation; where thepeople were generally armed, and where thereresided so many powerful noblemen in everyprovince , who could have assembled their re-tainers, and have obliged the duke of Normandy

ciiaP.

IV,

1066 .

Consequentce? of thebattle ofHailing?.