Question 1

How did William the Conqueror use the Church to control England?

Accepted Answer

William used the Church to legitimise his rule and enforce control. He replaced Anglo-Saxon bishops with loyal Normans, like Lanfranc, who supported his policies. The Church also helped integrate England into European Christendom, and William used church councils to pass laws. Additionally, the Church's wealth and land were used to reward Norman followers, and monasteries became centres of Norman culture and administration.

Question 2

What changes did the Normans make to English monasteries?

Accepted Answer

The Normans introduced stricter observance of the Benedictine Rule, emphasising poverty, chastity, and obedience. They built new monasteries in the Romanesque style, such as Durham and St Albans. Many Anglo-Saxon monasteries were dissolved or refounded with Norman abbots. The Normans also promoted the Cluniac reform movement, which focused on spiritual purity and centralised control under the Abbot of Cluny.

Question 3

Why was Lanfranc important to the Norman Church?

Accepted Answer

Lanfranc, appointed Archbishop of Canterbury in 1070, was a key figure in Normanising the English Church. He reorganised the Church hierarchy, moving bishops' sees from villages to cities (e.g., from Selsey to Chichester). He also introduced new church courts, enforced clerical celibacy, and rebuilt Canterbury Cathedral in the Romanesque style. Lanfranc was a loyal supporter of William and helped ensure the Church backed Norman rule.

Question 4

What was the relationship between the Church and the Norman kings?

Accepted Answer

The relationship was generally cooperative but had tensions. The Church supported Norman kings by legitimising their rule and providing administrators. However, there were disputes over investiture (who appointed bishops) and the extent of royal authority over the Church. For example, William I insisted on approving all church appointments, but later kings like William II faced conflicts with Archbishop Anselm over this issue.

Question 5

How did Norman church architecture differ from Anglo-Saxon?

Accepted Answer

Norman architecture (Romanesque) was much larger and more imposing than Anglo-Saxon. It featured massive stone walls, rounded arches, thick pillars, and barrel vaults. Cathedrals like Durham used ribbed vaults and had a cruciform plan. Anglo-Saxon churches were smaller, often made of wood or rubble, with simpler designs. The Normans built to impress and demonstrate their power and religious devotion.

Question 6

What role did monasteries play in Norman society?

Accepted Answer

Monasteries were centres of religious life, learning, and charity. Monks prayed for the souls of the dead (including Norman kings), copied manuscripts, and ran schools. They also provided alms to the poor, hospitality to travellers, and managed large estates. Economically, monasteries were important landowners and innovators in agriculture. They also served as symbols of Norman piety and control.

The Norman Church and monasticism

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