Key Features Of Norman Church

Question 1

Regular councils

Answer 1

Lanfranc held synodes of bishops. Councils had been rare before 1066 but lanfranc held 10 councils to discuss and impose church reforms

Question 2

Control within bishoprics

Answer 2

Every bishop had deputies who polices parts of the bishopric, making sure priests were carrying out church services and other responsibilities in the right ways. They had existed before but had little power

Question 3

Marriages

Answer 3

In 1075 lanfranc ordered no more priests could be married. Village priests were allowed to keep their wives but priests in cathedrals had to make a choice

Question 4

Monasteries

Answer 4

Lanfranc was a great supporter of monasteries. He increased the number and number of monks. He believed it was important for monks to be well educated so they could influence and educate those who were not church men. He insisted on following the rules of the monastery at all times.

Question 5

Church courts

Answer 5

These were set up to deal with anyone who committed religious or moral crimes such as adultery or blasphemy. Priests who broke the law were also tried in church courts instead of the kings court.