Lanfranc’s Reforms Of The Church Flashcards
Why did Lanfranc reforms the church ?
He aimed to stamp out any corruption amongst bishops
What where the four problems he identified ? SNMP
Simony- selling of church posts by bishops instead of giving it to the most qualified person
Nepotism- giving church posts to friends or family
Pluralism- holding more than one church post like Stigand
Marriage- all priests were supposed to be single and to live a celibate life however many priest where married
What was the change Lanfranc made in 1075 to marriage ?
-No new priests could be married
- Village priest could keep their wives but priests in cathedrals had to choose between their wife or the church
What where the three others big changes Lanfranc made ? MCR
Monasteries
Church courts
Rebuilding the cathedrals
Expand on monasteries?
- Lanfranc supported monasteries and increased the number in England and the monks within them
- he also believed monks should be well educated. he also insisted they followed monastery rules
Expand on church courts ?
-Set up to deal with anyone committing a religious or moral crime
These included adultery or blasphemy
- Priests could also be tried in a church court
Expand on rebuilding cathedrals ?
-He rebuilt Canterbury cathedral and encouraged others to do the same
-The new Norman cathedrals were much larger and taller+ wider
-Much more powerful and commanding buildings which symbolizes the new Norman take over
Did these changes and reforms come without opposition ?
No, they caused opposition even among monks
Both priests and monks disliked the new Norman services and prayers
What action did Lanfranc take which caused heavy backlash ?
He ordered the removal of relics and bones of English saints from their cathedrals- he claimed there was not sufficient evidence
What was the most dramatic incident, where, when and what ?
Glastonbury Abbey in 1083
Norman abbot insisted on Norman services
The monks protested so much the abbot sent his knights in to make them stop
3 monks died and 18 wounded
He was removed and sent back to Normandy however this wasn’t an isolated incident
Lanfranc himself had ordered the flogging of monks who’d dint accept Norman customs at Canterbury
