OCR Specification focus:
‘Change and continuity in government and administration during the reign of William I’
William I’s reign saw a complex mix of continuity with Anglo-Saxon practices and innovation rooted in Norman traditions, ensuring both stability and the consolidation of his authority.
The Political Context of William’s Government
William inherited a sophisticated Anglo-Saxon governmental system in 1066, renowned for its efficiency in tax collection, law enforcement, and local administration. This system had been refined over centuries and was central to the king’s authority. To secure his new kingdom, William had to balance the continuity necessary to maintain order with changes that would reinforce his control over a conquered population.
Continuities in Central Government
Many core administrative structures of Anglo-Saxon England were retained because they worked effectively and facilitated the smooth running of the kingdom.
The Writ System – William continued the use of written royal orders (writs) to communicate and enforce his will across the realm.
Royal Treasury – The system of tax collection, particularly the geld tax, remained in operation.
The King’s Council (Witan) – Although the Anglo-Saxon Witan was eventually reshaped into the King’s Court (Curia Regis), its advisory role to the monarch persisted.
Shire and Hundred Courts – These local assemblies, important for justice and local administration, continued to function.
Writ: A formal written order issued by the monarch, commanding a specific action or enforcing the king’s authority in a particular matter.
These continuities allowed William to legitimise his rule by presenting himself as the rightful successor to Edward the Confessor, rather than a foreign usurper dismantling English traditions.
Changes in Central Government Structure
Despite the outward continuity, William gradually introduced Norman practices and personnel to reshape the English monarchy’s administrative core.
Curia Regis – The royal court became a more centralised institution, staffed increasingly by Norman clerks and nobles, acting as both a governing body and a judicial authority.
Increased Royal Authority – William’s kingship took on a more feudal character, with tighter personal control over land grants and titles.
Latin as the Language of Government – While Old English persisted in some legal contexts, Latin began to dominate official documentation, aligning England more closely with Continental Europe.
Continuities and Changes in Local Government
William retained the shire as the principal administrative division, overseen by a shire-reeve (later “sheriff”). However, he altered the personnel and their functions to serve Norman priorities.
Continuity – The hundred and tithing systems for local justice and mutual responsibility remained.
Change – Sheriffs became powerful Norman appointees, often replacing Anglo-Saxon nobles, ensuring local loyalty to the king.
Castle-based Administration – The construction of motte-and-bailey castles introduced a military-administrative presence in key areas, reinforcing royal authority at the local level.
Sheriff: The king’s chief representative in each shire, responsible for law enforcement, tax collection, and the maintenance of order.
Fiscal Administration and the Domesday Survey
William’s government demonstrated continuity in tax collection but innovation in its scale and accuracy.
The geld tax—a land tax originally designed for defence against Viking attacks—was maintained and sometimes levied at higher rates to fund military campaigns.
In 1085–86, William commissioned the Domesday Book, an unprecedented survey of landholding, resources, and obligations.
This record centralised fiscal data, enabling efficient tax collection and dispute resolution.
Domesday Book: A comprehensive survey ordered by William I in 1085 to record land ownership, resources, and taxable value across much of England.
Law and Order under William I
William retained much of the Anglo-Saxon legal framework, which had strong local enforcement through tithings and hundreds.
Continuity – The use of oaths, ordeals, and communal responsibility persisted.
Change – Introduction of murdrum fines: if a Norman was killed and the murderer not found, the local community paid a fine, discouraging resistance to Norman rule.
Greater emphasis on forest law, reserving hunting rights and forested areas for the crown, which expanded royal authority into the countryside.
Military Organisation and Administrative Control
William’s governance integrated feudal military obligations into the existing Anglo-Saxon system.
Continuity – The fyrd (local militia) could still be summoned for short campaigns.
Change – Feudal obligations required Norman barons to supply mounted knights for the king’s service, reflecting Continental military practices.
Military service was now tied directly to land tenure, cementing the link between governance, landholding, and military power.
The Role of the Church in Government
The Church remained a central element of governance but underwent structural Normanisation.
Continuity – Bishops still held lands and judicial authority, supporting the king’s governance.
Change – William appointed Norman bishops and abbots, strengthening royal control and ensuring loyalty to the crown. The Church’s hierarchy was more closely tied to the papacy, while remaining under royal authority.
Overall Impact on Governance and Administration
William’s reign was marked by a deliberate blend of continuity—to maintain stability and acceptance—and change—to entrench Norman authority and align England with continental governance norms. This dual approach created a robust administrative system capable of sustaining Norman rule long after William’s death.
FAQ
William retained the shire and hundred courts because they were effective for law enforcement and local governance, but he placed them under tighter royal oversight.
Norman-appointed sheriffs presided over these courts, ensuring loyalty to the crown and the enforcement of Norman policies. This meant that, although the court structure remained familiar to the Anglo-Saxons, its operation increasingly reflected Norman priorities.
The geld tax was already well established and efficiently collected through the Anglo-Saxon administrative system.
By keeping it, William avoided disrupting revenue flow, which was essential for financing military campaigns and maintaining order. Additionally, it reinforced the sense of continuity, reducing resistance to his rule while still benefiting from a reliable fiscal mechanism.
Latin was the dominant written language in Western Europe and was used in the Church, law, and scholarship.
Switching to Latin linked English governance more closely with continental administrative norms, aiding communication with Norman and other European officials. This also helped standardise records, though it reduced accessibility for the Anglo-Saxon population unfamiliar with the language.
Castles often became centres of local governance, hosting court sessions, storing official records, and serving as bases for sheriffs or constables.
They acted as visible reminders of Norman power, influencing behaviour and discouraging rebellion. Economically, they could stimulate local markets by attracting merchants and craftsmen, though they also placed demands on nearby communities for supplies and labour.
The Domesday survey provided detailed records of landholders, boundaries, and obligations for most of England.
When disputes arose—often between Anglo-Saxon claimants and Norman grantees—royal officials could refer to the Domesday entries as authoritative evidence. This reduced the potential for conflict and strengthened the king’s role as the ultimate arbiter of land tenure.
Practice Questions
Question 1 (2 marks)
Name two aspects of Anglo-Saxon local government that William I kept after the Norman Conquest.
Question 1 (2 marks)
Award 1 mark for each correct aspect named, up to a maximum of 2 marks.
Indicative content:
Shire courts
Hundred courts
Tithing system
Use of sheriffs (shire-reeves) as local officials
The writ system
The geld tax
Question 2 (6 marks)
Explain two ways in which William I changed the administration of England after 1066.
Question 2 (6 marks)
Award up to 3 marks for each explanation.
1 mark for identifying a valid change.
1 mark for describing the change in detail.
1 mark for explaining why or how this change was significant.
Indicative content:
Appointment of Norman sheriffs to replace Anglo-Saxon officials: ensured loyalty to the king and tightened central control.
Introduction of Latin as the dominant language of official documents: aligned English administration with Norman and continental practice.
Creation of a more centralised Curia Regis: formalised royal court for governance and judicial matters.
Expansion of castle-based administration: provided both military security and local centres of royal power.
Introduction of murdrum fines: discouraged resistance to Norman rule by holding communities accountable for the killing of Normans.
