How far did government change under the Normans? Tuesday 25 th November Jan 2011 past question: “Local government and justice changed little as a result of the Conquest” Explain why you agree or disagree with this view. Brainstorm points to support both sides of the argument.

L1: Answers may either contain some descriptive material which is only loosely linked to the focus of the question or they may address only a limited part of the period of the question. Alternatively, there may be some explicit comment with little, if any, appropriate support. Answers are likely to be generalised and assertive. There will be little, if any, awareness of differing historical interpretations. The response will be limited in development and skills of written communication will be weak. 1-6 L2: Answers will show some understanding of the demands of the question. They will either be almost entirely descriptive with few explicit links to the question or they may contain some explicit comment with relevant but limited support. They will display limited understanding of differing historical interpretations. Answers will be coherent but weakly expressed and/or poorly structured L3: Answers will show a developed understanding of the demands of the question. They will provide some assessment, backed by relevant and appropriately selected evidence, but they will lack depth and/or balance. There will be some understanding of varying historical interpretations. Answers will, for the most part, be clearly expressed and show some organisation in the presentation of material L4: Answers will show explicit understanding of the demands of the question. They will develop a balanced argument backed by a good range of appropriately selected evidence and a good understanding of historical interpretations. Answers will, for the most part, show organisation and good skills of written communication L5: Answers will be well-focused and closely argued. The arguments will be supported by precisely selected evidence leading to a relevant conclusion/judgement, incorporating well-developed understanding of historical interpretations and debate. Answers will, for the most part, be carefully organised and fluently written, using appropriate vocabulary

Points/factors/evidence which agree(s) might include: continuation of shire/hundred courts for those not in the feudal system use of traditional methods of proof ; trial by ordeal, compurgation continued use of writs to enforce the royal will the role of the sheriff in the localities in justice and tax collection. Points/factors/evidence which disagree(s) might include: the need to introduce feudal courts and Church courts use of controls over the population: murdrum fine, frankpledge the judicial duel brought from Normandy the harshness of the Forest Law change in the language of writs increased power of baronial sheriffs. William needed to govern social elements that included both feudal and ‘free’ and to protect the Norman minority. He also needed to ensure loyalty in the localities by bringing in his own nominees. Good answers may conclude that there was continuity, but because management and personnel were ultimately new after the first few years, there were innovations and rapid developments which amount to a form of change.

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Absenteeism + Regents William spent the vast majority of his reign in Normandy and can therefore be described as an absentee monarch. He left trusted regents in charge such as William fitzOsbern, Bishop Odo or Archbishop Lanfranc. His absenteeism also increased the role of the royal household, particularly the chancellor and chamberlain.

Foreign Aristocracy (Waltheof) William began his reign with a large number of English thegns and earls but by 1070, in the aftermath of the many rebellions from , many had lost their positions to be replaced with foreigners. This removal of English magnates in favour of usually Norman men continued until by 1086 there were just a handful of English minor nobles left such as Almaer, Lord of Bourn.

Sheriffs Sheriffs existed pre-1066 but there power was nothing like on the scale enjoyed by sheriffs post The removal of the great earls was the reason that most historians give for this but undoubtedly the importance of writs during the reign of William also made a significant contribution. The sheriffs sat on the hundred courts which men regularly to judge various legal issues. They would also sit on shire courts alongside barons and would administer justice in more important cases. Sheriffs were responsible for collecting taxes. They were also responsible for ensuring that the king’s wishes were carried out when they received writs.

Chancellery + Writs The first person to be described as chancellor was Regenbald during the later years of Edward’s reign. He was soon dropped by William in late 1067 in favour of men that were more likely to be loyal. The role of chancellor was to oversee the writing and copying of writs which were then sent to the sheriffs so that the king’s wishes could be carried out in the shires. Due to William’s absenteeism writs became significantly more crucial to the governance of England than they were during Edward’s reign.

Shire Courts and Hundred Courts – Trial by ordeal through holding a hot iron rod (English), trial by combat (Norman) were examples of how cases could be decided. England was divided into shires and hundreds, the shire being the biggest of the two and shires were sub-divided into hundreds. Most disputes would be settles in the hundred courts which met regularly but more important cases were settled at the shire courts. The sheriffs oversaw the hundred courts and often the shire courts too but other important men such as barons would be present at shire courts which only met about twice a year. The shire and hundred courts are an excellent example of how William used an English system that wasn’t present in Normandy to his advantage.

Crown wearing William introduced a new feature of kingship in that he publically wore the crown at ‘crown-wearing’ sessions. These took place in Winchester at Easter, in Gloucester at Christmas and at Westminster at Whitsun. William was clearly conscious that people should see who was in charge. He held a special crown-wearing session at York after defeating the rebels in 1070 and just before the harrying of the north was carried out.