89 
THE BARONY OF KENDAL AND MANOR OF 
HAWKSHEAD. 
(HISTORY AND CUSTOMS OF THE MANORS OF THE 
MARQUIS AND RICHMOND FEES.) 
By W. HOPES HEELIS. 
a Read at Ambleside. ) 
THE FEUDAL SYSTEM. 
In years long ago, before that conquering (or, as some will 
have it, plundering) hero came over from Normandy and landed 
at Pevensey Bay, in that year of our Lord which is so well known 
now, in these our days of School Boards and Government 
Inspectors, Englishmen knew little or nothing of the feudal 
laws ; but with, or rather by the Conqueror, they were introduced 
into this kingdom in all their completeness and power. On 
taking a view of the feudal system, the first thing that attracts 
our attention is the king, held to be the sole proprietor of all 
the lands within his dominions: from whom all subjects derived 
their possessions, and, in return, consecrated even their lives to his 
service. There he sat enthroned, the source and fountain, as it 
were, of honour: from whom all marks of distinction and titles of 
dignity flowed—at his footstool the most powerful peers, on bended 
knees and with folded hands, did homage and swore fealty to him 
as their sovereign and liege lord. A feudal kingdom was, in its 
origin, altogether military, and may be likened to the encampment 
of a great army, the possession of the land being the pay the 
