Pearson Edexcel · A-Level · History
Course version: 9HI0 · Version from Sept 2015
The English church: the deposition of Stigand; Lanfranc’s reforms;…
Full specification wording
State, church and society, 1066–1106: The English church: the deposition of Stigand; Lanfranc’s reforms; Anselm’s conflict with William II; Henry I, Anselm and the investiture controversy; the Norman kings and the papacy.
William I moved to reform the English Church.
Checked against the Pearson Edexcel 9HI0 specification (opens in a new tab) on .
- Point 4 of 4
- 4 key terms
Study notes
From the checked teaching notes for this specification point.
The idea
William I moved to reform the English Church. Stigand, Archbishop of Canterbury, was deposed in 1070 because his position was irregular, and Lanfranc replaced him. Lanfranc reorganised dioceses, strengthened episcopal authority, promoted clerical celibacy and separated church courts from secular courts. Under William II, Anselm became archbishop but clashed with the king over royal control and recognition of the pope, leading to Anselm's exile. Henry I faced the investiture controversy: whether the king or pope should invest bishops with ring and staff. The Concordat of London (1107) compromised, with the king renouncing investiture but bishops still doing homage. Throughout, Norman kings negotiated with the papacy while guarding royal authority over the English Church.
What earns the marks
- Explains why Stigand was deposed in 1070, including the irregularity of his position and papal support for reform.
- Outlines Lanfranc's reforms: diocesan reorganisation, clerical discipline, celibacy and separate church courts.
- Analyses Anselm's conflict with William II over royal authority, papal recognition and Anselm's exile.
- Explains the investiture controversy under Henry I and the compromise of 1107, distinguishing investiture from homage.
- Assesses the wider relationship between the Norman kings and the papacy, balancing cooperation with defence of royal rights.
Common mistakes and how to put them right
Confusing Lanfranc's reforms with those of later archbishops.
Put it right by dating them to William I's reign and linking them to Stigand's deposition.
Treating the 1107 concordat as a complete papal victory.
Put it right by noting the king gave up investiture but retained homage and influence over appointments.
Assuming Anselm and William II disagreed only over personal matters.
Put it right by focusing on jurisdiction, papal recognition and royal control of the Church.
Exam tips
- Distinguish clearly between investiture and homage when discussing the 1107 settlement.
- Support each claim about royal-papal relations with a named king, archbishop or event.
- Explain change over time, showing how policy shifted from William I through William II to Henry I.
Try the lesson
The start of the State, church and society, 1066–1106: The English church: the deposition of Stigand; Lanfranc’s reforms; Anselm’s conflict with William II; Henry I, Anselm and the investiture controversy; the Norman kings and the papacy. lesson, made from checked teaching notes for this specification point.
Have a go first
Why was Archbishop Stigand deposed by papal legates at the Council of Winchester in 1070?
Listen
William I moved to reform the English Church. Stigand, Archbishop of Canterbury, was deposed in 1070 because his position was irregular, and Lanfranc replaced him. Lanfranc reorganised dioceses, strengthened episcopal authority, promoted clerical celibacy and separated church courts from secular courts. Under William II, Anselm became archbishop but clashed with the king over royal control and recognition of the pope, leading to Anselm's exile. Henry I faced the investiture controversy: whether the king or pope should invest bishops with ring and staff. The Concordat of London (1107) compromised, with the king renouncing investiture but bishops still doing homage. Throughout, Norman kings negotiated with the papacy while guarding royal authority over the English Church. A strong answer earns marks for these points. Explains why Stigand was deposed in 1070, including the irregularity of his position and papal support for reform. Outlines Lanfranc's reforms: diocesan reorganisation, clerical discipline, celibacy and separate church courts. Analyses Anselm's conflict with William II over royal authority, papal recognition and Anselm's exile. Explains the investiture controversy under Henry I and the compromise of 1107, distinguishing investiture from homage. A common slip: Confusing Lanfranc's reforms with those of later archbishops. Instead, dating them to William I's reign and linking them to Stigand's deposition. Exam tip: Distinguish clearly between investiture and homage when discussing the 1107 settlement.
Key words
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Church reform and discipline
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Royal authority and the papacy
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Conflict and compromise in appointments
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The role of archbishops
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See every definition
- Church reform and discipline
- Lanfranc reorganised dioceses, strengthened episcopal authority, promoted clerical celibacy and separated church courts from secular courts.
- Royal authority and the papacy
- Norman kings negotiated with the papacy while guarding royal authority over the English Church.
- Conflict and compromise in appointments
- The investiture controversy asked whether king or pope should invest bishops with ring and staff, and the Concordat of London compromised, with the king renouncing investiture but bishops still doing homage.
- The role of archbishops
- Stigand was deposed because his position was irregular, Lanfranc replaced him, and Anselm became archbishop but clashed with the king and was exiled.
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