Normans

Normans

William the Conquerer

Church

William destroyed Saxon churches and rebuilt them in the Norman style, renaming them after Norman saints. English bishops were also replaced with Normans so that William could keep his loyalty. Only 3/15 bishops were still English by 1075

Legality and administration

English law systems were very efficient at raising taxes, armies, and carrying out royal commands so not much changed

William insisted that he was simply collecting his inheritance from Edward, thereby acting legally. This helped persuade officials to carry out his orders

Violence

William was merciful towards those who surrendered but had no qualms in crushing rebellions - Harrying of the North 1069 - William sent soldiers who killed livestock and burned down houses and barns as a response to Northern Earls, the Scottish King and a…