Norman Government

What was William's government like in Norman England?

William's government showed a lot of continuity with the Anglo-Saxon government, but he also took opportunities to centralise his power.

What did William keep the same in the Norman government?

William kept a number of important features of Anglo-Saxon government when he took over England.

• ❖ The Anglo-Saxon government was much more sophisticated than the government in Normandy, so William kept many aspects of it when he took over England.
• ❖ The Norman government used the land divisions of 'hides' to work out taxes.
• ❖ They kept the land divisions of shires and hundreds.
• ❖ William still consulted the Witan, or a similar royal council.
• ❖ The Normans still used the silver pennies used by the Anglo-Saxons.
• ❖ The royal treasury remained at Winchester.

How did William limit the power of earls in Norman government?

Edward the Confessor had experienced numerous problems because of the power held by earls such as Godwin. William took the opportunity to limit how much power they could gain.

• ❖ When his loyal followers were replaced, William made their earldoms smaller or, like Wessex and Mercia, redistributed them altogether.
• ❖ The special powers given to the Marcher earls immediately after the invasion were gradually reduced.
• ❖ Earls were tenants-in-chief, and could be punished by forfeiture like other tenants.

How did William use regents in the Norman government?

William had two countries to run, and therefore was absent from either for periods of time. While he was away he appointed regents to keep control in his absence.

• ❖ William's first two regents, Bishop Odo and William FitzOsbern, caused problems and resentment among the Anglo-Saxons in 1067.
• ❖ Archbishop Lanfranc was William's regent in 1075, and helped to prevent the Earls' Revolt.
• ❖ William often left his wife, Matilda, as regent of Normandy.
• ❖ He tended to return quickly when he heard of problems in England.