Even before the emergence of William of Normandy as William the Conqueror, the use of feudal armies began to diminish. This reason for the change in army forces is, for the most part, summed up in one word: Mercenary. Therefore, we must explore this phenomenon in order to trace the roots from feudal army to the armies-for-hire that became the norm throughout conquered, yet not always so-unified England.
It was already customary for every able-bodied male within England to serve in the armed forces, and contrary to the German practice of the same obligation, it often times could be enforced through use of pain or extreme penalties. This decree, although very seldom relied upon, became known as the fyrd. Because for so long it was unnecessary to call out the fyrd, it is obvious to expect that the quality of these 'peasant'-soldiers would be severely lacking in tactical knowledge and weaponry skills.
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