Elements of general History, ancient and modern; To which are added a comparative view of ancient and modern geography and a table of chronology, with two maps - Softcover

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This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1813 edition. Excerpt: ...the Conqueror introduced into England the feudal law, dividing the whole kingdom, except the royal demesnes, into baronies, and bestowing the most of these, under the tenure of military service, on his Norman followers. By the forest laws, he reserved to himself the exclusive privilege of killing game all over the kingdom; a restriction resented by his subjects above every other mark of servitude. Preparatory to the introduction of the feudal tenures, he planned and accomplished a general survey of all the lands in the kingdom, with a distinct specification of their extent, nature, value, names of their proprietors, and an enumeration of every class of inhabitants who lived on them. This most valuable record, called Doomsday-book, is preserved in the English Exchequer, and is now prmted. 3. William II. (surnamed Rufus, from the colour of his hair) inherited the vices without any of the virtues of his father. His reign is distinguished by no event of importance; and, after the defeat of one conspiracy m its outset, presents nothing but a dull career of unresisted despotism. After a reign of thirteen years he was killed when hunting, by the random shot of an arrow (1100). The crown of England should have devolved on his elder brother Robert v but his absence on a crusade in Palestine made way for the unopposed succession of his younger brother Henry, who, by his marriage witn Matilda, the daughter of Malcolm III. king of Scotland, and the niece of Edgar Atheling, united the last remnant of the Saxon with the Norman line, which had a beneficial effect in promoting union in the nation. With the most criminal ambition he now invaded his brother's dominions of Normandy; and Robert, on his return, was defeated in battle, and detained for life a prisoner...

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