Norman and Angevin England Flashcards
Why was England an attractive country to the Normans?
It had a large population (around 2mn) who all operated in a self-sufficient agricultural system = lots of taxable subjects.
England had a functional taxation system and a wealthy, integrated economy that used universal coinage.
There was some sense of a central government: royal policy was pursued through earldoms, shires, hundreds and writs. There were written documents that presented royal will: grants of privileges or property were sealed with Royal Seal.
How did the system of landholdings change after Hastings?
Warriors needed reward following Conquest - William divided lands but land created a new obligation of military service and homage.
Men who received land became king’s tenants-in-chiefs.
What else did the new land distribution following Hastings involve, evidence?
Land was divided practically for defence (M. Chibnall) into small territorial blocks with castles for defence.
Sussex lordships of Hastings, Pevensey, Lewes all were established in such a way.
Odo of Bayeux was given Kent.
By 1086 there were around 86 castles.
What was retained following the Conquest and why?
English government structures were retained: Anglo-Saxon law, coinage and bureaucracy were retained.
The English realm under Edward the Confessor was stable. The earls acted as provincial governors and had responsibilities for defence - there was a development of royal taxation and military organisation.
What was the Domesday Book and its significance?
It was a comprehensive survey/database of all England’s lands and inhabitants. It itemised everything including livestock to tax country accurately and exploit fully all the resources available to the Norman regime.
How was Domesday constructed?
It used existing Anglo-Saxon government structures - preliminary surveys were made at a local level using sworn juries which were then checked by specially appointed commissioners and later sent to Winchester for compilation.
The Crown-vassal landholding ratio shifted under Domesday, evidence?
In previous reigns, the vassals always held more land but following Domesday, William held 64% of country’s wealth with the vassals holding less than half of that.
How did Henry I reorganise the English administration?
His reign was characterised by a professionalisation of the royal administration. The Exchequer became the centre of the economy.
Roger, Bishop of Salisbury was appointed chief justiciar and held annual sittings and audited accounts.
Men were recruited from humble backgrounds to ensure loyalty but they also knew the administration.
How else did Henry try to innovate government?
There were attempts to codify English law through his ‘Leges Henrici Primi’ which introduced a countrywide legal structure.
What were some of the succession issues?
Henry I’s only son died in a shipwreck in 1120 leaving a disputed succession with Henry’s daughter Matilda and Stephen of Blois fighting for the throne.
