Maintaining Control Flashcards
Define centralised government
William controlled all aspects of the government
Define demesne
The kings land
What role did the royal demesne play in building Williams power? 5 points
Income from his demesne paid for his castles, servants and needs of his family, allowed him to show himself off as rich, he held crown wearing ceremonies at court three times a year
How much time did William spend in Normandy?
Between 1072 and his death in 1087 he spent 80% of his time in Normandy
What did William do while he was in Normandy?
Appointed one of his most trusted supporter as regent, sometimes it was Odo of Bayeux, William fitzOsbern or Lanfranc
Define regent
The kings deputy whilst abroad with the same powers the king had
How much land did Earls have?
Just ten together had around a quarter of England’s land
What were the 3 duties of the sheriffs?
Raise soldiers for the army whenever needed, carry out justice in kings court, collect fines and taxes due to the king
When were English sheriffs replaced with Normans?
After the rebellions of 1067-71
What threat did William face in 1085?
A danish invasion seemed imminent and William had to raise an army and keep it supplied until the threat was over
When did William order the domesday book and how long did it take to record?
Christmas 1085, less than a year
Why did William order the domesday book?
Since 1066 he had given land to his lords and bishops in so many pieces he did not know which land belonged to who but with accurate information of which land people owned he could feed his army more efficiently and raise taxes
