Primogeniture

Land commonly passed to the eldest son, following the custom of primogeniture, but an heir had to pay a relief to take possession. Smaller demands could favour loyal families; the threat of a large payment put pressure on troublesome landholders. William also exercised control over the remarriage of widows and inheritance where there was no clear heir.

Primogeniture increasingly became the expected arrangement, at least in theory, keeping an estate together under an eldest son rather than dividing it. This helped preserve powerful landed families, but disadvantaged younger sons and women in the inheritance of the main estate.