Chapter 3 Flashcards
Explain what the Feudal system was and how it worked
It was a system to ensure the king had troops without having to pay for them.
William granted land to his tenants-in-chief to reward them, but the land had requirements such as providing the king with troops when the king needed them.
What is a knight service
The duty to provide a mounted knight with the correct equipment to the king in exchange for a piece of land
Explain what a land holding is
A way of controlling land. when a landholder died their heir had to prove their loyalty to the king in order to reclaim the land as well as paying the king. This was called a relief and allowed the king to control land and his wealth
Explain what a Homage is
When William granted land to a tenant-in-chief an, important ceremony of homage had to take place. This showed the honor and respect gained when granted land
Explain what a labour service is
A labour service was about working in the lords land in return for the use of that land.
Explain what a Forfeiture is
In the situation where the land-user didn’t provide a service required of them, they had to forfeit their land or pay a fine.
What role did the church play in Norman society
The church had far-reaching social influence and was closely connected to the Norman government.
What was the relationship between Church and government (give reasons why)
Churches were close to the government because:
-Bishops and abbots were literate and well-educated making them seen as important
-Bishops had the role of developing laws for the King and advising him for legal matters
-Church Clerks issued the kings writs and kept charge of the royal seal
Explain the roles of Stigand and Lanfranc
Lanfranc: Head of the church in England, organisation and control of the church and church rebuilding
Both Lanfranc and Stigand: Witans, Legal expertise, representatives of the king
What were Lanfranc’s reforms of the church
-1076 Lanfranc’s reform: the clergy should not be tried in the hundred courts but should be seen by the church courts
-Anglo-Saxon churches in isolated rural location were knocked down and built in important popular areas
These reforms increased the churches popularity and control
Explain the Normanisation of the English church
-Within 50 years of 1066 every church has been demolished and rebuilt in Norman style.
-The church was a major landholder in England one quarter of land
These changes increase the kings power
How far had the Anglo-Saxon economy and society changed under William’s reign?
-Castle building increased the kings power and control by occupying land.
-Trade with Normandy increased and big English cities seemed to grow
-William had control over the tenants-in-chief, this allowed the king to control any riots and possible rebellions
What were the key changes to government after the Norman Conquest
Centralised power
Limited use of the earls
The role of regents
What is centralised power and how did it help the Norman goverment
William used the opportunity of conquest to centralise power. He owned al the land and was able to grant land to his followers and punished whoever went against him by forfeiture
What was the limited use of earls and how did it help the Norman government
William reduced the power of the earls and the number of them significantly. Once his most loyal followers started to be replaced he made earldoms smaller and more compact. This reduction in power led to resentment and the revolt of the earls in 1075
