The king and the Church in Norman England
I can explain the key tensions between crown and Church in Norman England.
The king and the Church in Norman England
I can explain the key tensions between crown and Church in Norman England.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- The crown and the Church were separate institutions.
- There was a contemporary debate about royal involvement in the Church.
- William I and Lanfranc cooperated on Church matters.
- William II and Anselm argued over Church matters.
- Henry I and Anselm argued over investiture.
Keywords
Secular - the opposite of sacred; a part of life that is not to do with the Church or religion
Papacy - the office of the pope and the pope's authority over the Church
Pallium - a vestment (piece of clothing) given by the pope to newly-appointed bishops and archbishops
Papal legate - the pope's personal representative, sent by the pope from Rome on a mission to another country
Investiture controversy - a conflict between the Church and the state in medieval Europe over the ability to select and install (invest) bishops and abbots
Common misconception
The controversies and conflicts between the crown and the Church were specific to Norman England.
In fact, the controversies and conflicts between the Church and the crown happened in many kingdoms in Europe, and were more severe than in England in particular cases, especially the Holy Roman Empire.
Content guidance
- Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
- Depiction or discussion of serious crime
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Lesson video
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