William's changes to government

1. The reduced role of Earls

1.1. William reduced the power of the Earls by making the new earldoms smaller and less wealthy.

1.2. William wanted the earls to have less power than during Edward's reign because he didn't want their power to rival his like they did in Edward's reign.

2. The power of the King

2.1. William didn't need new methods to increase his power as King because he was a very strong character who dominated everyone and made sure no one challenged his power.

2.2. William’s government was called ‘centralised’ because he was in the centre of all aspects of gouvernment and descision making

2.3. William kept his lords loyalty by consulting them about important issues so that they felt as if he respected them.

2.4. William needed to show his wealth so he didn't look vunerable to attack in a rebellion (this had happened to other Kings.)

2.5. The King's court consisted of all the people the people the King consulted to make important desicisions

2.6. The King's household consisted of his family, his household knights and the servants that looked after the royal family.

3. The role of Regents

3.1. A Regent meant that when William went away he would appoint one of his most trusted supporters to temporarily take over the role of King.

3.2. Williams Regents: Odo of Bayeux (half-brother), William fitzOsbern (good friend), Earl of Chester and Lanfranc (Archbishop of Canterbury)

3.3. William needed Regents because he spent 80% of his time in Normandy.

3.4. This system of Regents went successfully which shows - William chose his regents wisely and that he built up a strong and effective system of government.

4. Royal Demsne

4.1. Royal Demesne- the king's land (it played a vital part in building William's power.)

4.2. The royal demesne was important because the income from his demesne paid for his castles, servants, and all the needs for his family. It also allowed William to show himself off as rich, magnificent and an unchallengable ruler.