Norman Government Flashcards
Who kept the majority of land?
William
What was the kings land known as?
The royal demesne
Who was at the center of decision making?
William
What was a regent?
When William went to Normandy he appointed a trusted supporter to take up his position with the same level of power while he was gone
Examples of Williams regents
Odo of Bayeux, William FitzOsbern, Lanfranc
How did William make sure his earls weren’t too powerful?
Made the earldoms smaller
What were sheriffs in Norman times?
.Followed instructions
.Collected taxes and fines
.Carried out justice in the king’s court
.Raise soldiers for the royal army
When did William change Anglo-Saxon sheriffs to Norman ones?
After the rebellions of 1067-71
What were forests for William?
Areas for hunting for him and training soldiers
What did the new forest laws not allow?
Ordinary people could not hunt, cut down trees or collect wood for fuel
What was the punishment for breaking the forest laws?
Execution for hunting or a heavy fine which went straight to the king’s treasury
When was the Domesday book made?
1085
Why was the Domesday book made?
So William could tax everyone effectively since he knew everyone’s income
What was the Domesday book?
A collection of everyone’s land ownership and earnings
