SECTION 3 Flashcards
Why was religion so important?
It was a matter of life to death for everyone. Heaven and hell was a major concern. The pope was the most powerful individual in Europe and so were most religious leaders.
Why was the Church so wealthy?
Everyone had to pay a tax to the Church called a ‘TITHE’. Villagers gave one tenth of what they produced and one tenth of any profit they made to the Church.Easter dues (tax) paid to the priest and ceremonies such as marriages, baptisms and funerals were paid to the priest SURPLICE FEES.
How did William reform the Church? What were their 4 criticisms?
1) Clergy with more than one position. 2) Positions in the Church were sold = SIMONY.3) Positions were given to friends rather than suitable candidates = NEPOTISM.4) Many members of clergy were married which went against their vow of celibacy.
Why did Canterbury become more important than York?
Thomas, archbishop of York went to Canterbury to be consecrated by Lanfranc who refused to unless Thomas swore loyalty (this would make Canterbury more important than York) William ordered Thomas to submit and in 1072 he did.
How did Lanfranc reform the Church? (5)
1) Established Symonds - Church councils.2) Moving cathedrals to town and cities with larger populations - helped to centralise the Church.3) A new Church hierarchy - more centralised system.4) Officially ending marriage amongst clergy - no one in future could do this.5) Developing parishes and the role of the parish priest.
How did William change Church buildings? Refer to ARCHITECTURE:
By the early 1100’s every major Anglo Saxon cathedral was knocked down and rebuilt in ROMANESQUE ARCHITECTURE - high quality in symmetrical pattern, simple with decor. Wooden churches rebuilt to stone.
What did religious buildings show the English?
That God favoured the regime.
What did impressive buildings symbolise?
They were a display of Norman power and prestige: another permanent reminder of the Norman Conquest.
Give 2 examples of Cathedrals:
1) Canterbury Cathedral - was rebuilt after a fire in 1070.2) Durham old Church was destroyed and replaced with Durham Cathedral.
How did William (Rufus) come into conflict with the Church?
He was more interested in making money from the Church. Also, he never got married or had kids so people thought he was homosexual. His lifestyle and exploration of the Church led to conflict.
Describe what happened in Rufus’ conflict with William of St Calais:
Rebellion against Rufus 1088. bishop of Saint Calais informed him and agreed to bring reinforcements to help him but then changed his mind = Rufus put him on trial for treason. Argued on which court he should be trialed on.
Where did William of St Calais be tried on? (Court) What were the conclusions?
November 1088 Secular Court. Declared guilty, lost his bishopric and was exiled. Deterred others from challenging the King.
Describe how the conflict between Rufus and Anslem started:
When Lanfranc died in 1089, he was not replaced so that Rufus could take the substantial income from the Church estates held by Lanfranc. He became ill and thought God was punished him so appointed Anslem as new Archbishop.
Why was the relationship between Anslem and Rufus bad?
Anslem had to be forced to take the role and was disinterested. 1094 Anslem was preaching about the lack of morality in the King’s court and complained about how Rufus was leaving archbishop Positions open to take money. Rufus felt it was none of his business.
Who was Ranulf Flambard?
One of Rufus’ friends who was very skilled at raising money which made him unpopular with the church but popular with William Rufus.
