Norman Government Flashcards
Did William remove the Anglo-saxon government system?
The Anglo-Saxon government was much more sophisticated than the government in Normandy, so William kept many aspects of it when he took over England.
How did William calculate tax?
The Norman government used the land divisions of ‘hides’ (an Anglo-saxon measuring system) to work out taxes.
Did William keep the land divisions of shires and hundreds?
Yes
Was the Witan removed?
William still consulted the Witan, or a similar royal council.
Did William completely change Anglo-Saxon currency?
The Normans still used the silver pennies used by the Anglo-Saxons. However, all currency was emblazoned with his face.
Did the royal treasury remain at Winchester?
Yes
How did William limit the power of earls in Norman government?
❖When his loyal followers were replaced, William made their earldoms smaller or, like Wessex and Mercia, redistributed them altogether.
❖The special powers given to the Marcher earls immediately after the invasion were gradually reduced.
❖Earls were tenants-in-chief, and could be punished by forfeiture like other tenants.
How did William use regents in the Norman government?
William had two countries to run, and therefore was absent from either for periods of time. While he was away he appointed regents to keep control in his absence.
❖William’s first two regents, Bishop Odo and William FitzOsbern, caused problems and resentment among the Anglo-Saxons in 1067.
❖Archbishop Lanfranc was William’s regent in 1075, and helped to prevent the Earls’ Revolt.
❖William often left his wife, Matilda, as regent of Normandy.
❖He tended to return quickly when he heard of problems in England.
