Impact of the Norman Conquest on the Church

What happened:

• Pluralism (More than one office)
• Simony (Selling of offices within church)
• Nepotism (giving offices to friends and relatives)
• Marriage (Breaking vow of celibacy)

How it benefit the church:

• A law unto themselves.
• Little interference from kings. 
• Was like this under Edward and many parts of Europe. 

What happened:

• Very corrupt Arch-Bishop had been under Edward.
• When William comes he replaces Bishops with Normans 

How it benefit the church:

• Less corrupt
• Gives William more control and trust

What happened: 

• A number of cathedral locations were changed
• Cathedrals were moved to more important towns. 
• Results in the establishment of Coventry, Salisbury, and Lincoln.
• Lanfranc ordered the use of Synats in each diocese.

How it benefit the Church:

• The church could reinforce Williams authority over the Towns.
• The synods could impose change.

What happened: 

• Diocese was divided into archdeaconries which were divided into rural deaneries 

How it benefit the Church:

• Increase Williams control over the people

What happened:

• Some had lost monastic structure 
• it was more common for monastic structures to be established in Cathedrals. 

What happened: 

• Fighting over who is the biggest
• Arch-Bishop of York recognized Lanfranc as a primate.

How this benefits the church:

• Shows their weak

What happened: 

• Have big meetings
• They move cathedrals
• Councils reform and discuss key debates

How it benefit the Church:

• Helped discuss things

What happened:

• William made Synod for churchmen
• There was no immediate break with shire courts, they continued to work together
• Lanfranc recognizes the value of having separate courts.

How it benefit the church:

• Brings William control because he trusts Lanfranc

What happened:

• He had a good relationship with arch-bishops but not the Pope
• The Pope wanted English Bishops to visit regularly but this didn't happen.
• He also wants William to swear fealty but he doesn't

How it benefits the Church: 

• Shows William is in power