Feudalism started in the Northern Europe and spread through the continent but was strongest in

England I think. In England the land was granted to the earls and barons, approved by the Witan, the highest council in the land. Each area of land was administered by the earl who ensured laws were enforced. The earl was given the full right to govern as he saw fit. Sometimes this meant the rule was a tyrannical one where the common people suffered great hardships.