ABSTRACT
The royal domain soon took the lead in creating a more integrated, thriving type of economy which was based on technological innovations, progressive clearings of the land, the development of market towns and a more monetised system of exchange. The chapter discusses the Western Europe after the collapse of the Roman Empire into major areas or domains of statehood and nationhood. Romantic historiography has always insisted in the long-felt presence of the Norman invading elite as an alien body in the life of medieval England. The origin of the Exchequer can be traced back to the beginnings of the twelfth century. Romantic historiography has always insisted on the long-felt presence of the Norman invading elite as an alien body in the life of medieval England. The Anglo-Norman presence in Ireland was a catalyst for the development of Irish national identity during the medieval period.
