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
What was the role of regents and how did it help the Norman government
Because William had to manage two countries he used regents to help him. One regent was Lanfranc who helped counter the revolts in 1075.
What is a demesne
The land that the king or a tenant-in-chief kept for his own use rather than granting it, as a fief to an under-tenant
Explain the office of sheriff and the demesne
The sheriffs
-collected tax and revenue from land, they were entitled to a share of the money
-The sheriffs were also the kings and earls representative, and ensured the shire met its military obligations
What were the forest laws
A law introduced to protect the animals that were best to hunt and vegetation the animals needed to survive.
Explain the introduction to the ‘forest’
In order to extend Williams hunting grounds he took away forest land as his demesne
What was the significance of the ‘forest’
-It showed the power of the king was above anyone else
-Harsh punishments for breaking the forest laws showed that the Normans were brutal
-As William easily extended his Demesne, it showed that the action of a land-grab appeared more legitimate
What was the Doomsday book
In 1085 William ordered a survey of England. Men were sent out to investigate the landholdings of each shire and what taxes they owed to the king. This was then used to create the Doomsday book
What was the significance of the Doomsday book
-Many of Williams tenants-in-chief enjoyed special deals that meant they didn’t have to pay tax on their land
-The Doomsday book had information regarding which land was taken from the Anglo-Saxons, allowing legal action to take place
-The Doomsday book allowed troops to be sent to Williams army in order to counter the 1085 Viking invasion threat
Describe the culture of the Norman aristocracy
The Norman culture demonstrated wealth, power and superiority over the English. This was achieved by building churches, cathedrals and castles. While the English spent their money on jewelry and clothes. Within 50 years of 1066 every Anglo-Saxon church was rebuilt as a Norman church
Explain the career of bishop Odo
Odo was Williams half brother, he supported Williams invasion contributing 100 ships to the fleet, and fought in the battle of Hastings. However Odo was later imprisoned in 1082 and fell out of favour of William as he was caught seizing land illegally.
Explain the significance of Bishop Odo’s career
Odo was one of the most powerful lords in England. Williams imprisoning him showed that he will not tolerate such behaviour. Showing his ruthlessness
Explain the character and personality of William I
William’s toughness and determination allowed him the be a good king, as well as his desire for money and power.
Describe the relationship between William and Robert
William and Roberts relationship was bad. This was because of Robert starting a rebellion against him for not being treated fairly
Explain Robert and the revolt in Normandy, 1077-80
In 1077 a prank on Robert by his younger brothers angered him especially as they weren’t punished enough. Robert then started a revolt where he humiliated William by knocking him off his horse
Explain what happened with William’s death and why there was a disputed succession
William granted the role of duke of Normandy to his son Robert, despite their past together. William granted the role of king to William rufus, however rufus wanted the next king of England to be chosen by god. William then chose Lanfranc as the next king in 1087.
Explain what happened with William Rufus and the defeat of Robert and Odo
Odo was freed in 1087. In 1088 he held a rebellion against William II, In support of Robert’s claim to be king of England.
Odo and Robert tried to take over a castle which lead them to be captured by William II with the help of the fryd
Describe the language of the Norman aristocracy
William tried to learn English but was unable to. English rapidly disappeared by the mid 12th century, English was completely replaced by Latin for legal documents
