Maybe a weird/stupid question. Today we have mass media, and any new law/political scandal that happens reaches almost everyone instantly. Previously, radio broadcasts. Before telecommunications, information could go around presumably by letters, word of mouth, etc. Before even any of that, how would entire populations in, for example, the 11th century find out about new laws that were passed in their country, or if their country was going to war, and was it ever possible to communicate this fairly quickly (that is, within a week or two?)
In: 1822
Caolingian politics relied heavily on assemblies of all free men. Oaths would be renewed, criminals tried and the leading men would make announcements. The court sent out circulars and messengers. Assemblies were held quarterly at district level, six-monthly at provincial level, or as needed.
England had assizes, which had much the same purposes, quarterly in most counties.
France was more varied, but Louis XI sent out regular letters to his ‘good towns’ and ‘loyal nobles’, advising on policy and events.
Then, also, everyone attended church, and it was usual for royal announcements to be made after the service.
It might take a month or so for this kind of news to reach some remote part, but most inhabitants of France or England or the empire would have an announcement within a couple of weeks, as bishops passed it down to parish clergy.
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