Undoubtedly the people of Horstede grumbled too; it has often been observed that whatever rights the English lose, they keep the right to grumble. Yet the Rectitudines, and every relevant document of the time, gives a very strong impression of a spirit of give and take, of common sense and kindliness, that the English have not always shown in centuries since. People seem to have been sustained by something that might be called unfashionable now, a positive pleasure in service: they were burdened by the work they did for the thane, but they loved to do it well. They did not resent the grandeur of lords, but enjoyed reflected glory.
~ David Howath, 1066