What was life like in Britain before the Normans invaded?

Before the Normans invaded in 1066, Britain was characterized by a patchwork of Anglo-Saxon kingdoms, each with its own laws and customs. The society was predominantly agrarian, with a feudal system emerging that included a hierarchy of nobles, freemen, and serfs. Viking raids had also impacted the landscape, leading to a mix of cultures and influences, particularly in the north and east. Overall, life was often marked by local governance, tribal loyalties, and frequent conflicts between rival kingdoms.