It was 1066 that altered things in England.

When the Normans took over the land was confiscated from the people, as punishment for not rising up against Harold's claim to the throne, and then it was portioned out at William's whim as reward for service, but only to hold for the king.

In a reversal of the former situation the people were then considered tied to the land, as long as the lord was agreeable to their presence, or their existence.

Noble families were reduced to serving their new masters at whatever suited - though that was possibly the start of the idea of the 'gentleman's gentleman' and the hierarchy of servants in great houses, where the senior staff had their own servants, were served at table etc. in the same way as the family. Some, however were reduced to the level of serfs - there are quite a few recorded in the Domesday book.

Anne the Pleater :ootd: