Archbishop Lanfranc and William I were firm supporters of the papal reform movement, which aimed to spiritually strengthen the Western Church, and to remove Canon Law (universal law of Church), including simony (selling of church posts), nepotism (appointing family/friends posts), pluralism (holding 2 posts), and clerical marriages.

In order to take control of the English church, Lanfranc assembled 10 important Church councils during William's reign and this represented a significant shift in power. In 1070, he had established Canterbury over York, with William's support, whereas before both had been considered equal.

The bishoprics were divided into smaller territorial units called archdeaconries, all headed by an archdeacon. Archdeaconries were divided into deaneries, headed by deans.

Church reorganisation was the first step to higher moral standards. In order to spread the ideas of the reform movement, Lanfranc demanded that bishops held regular councils called synods. Lanfranc used the synods to speak out against corruption.

Later he demanded that all clergy remained celibate and that in future no one could hold a church post if married.

soon after taking office, Lanfranc ordered that Canterbury should be redeveloped in romanesque style. This was the start of an architectural change in the Churches; the Anglo-Saxon Churches were redeveloped and their relics were removed. Parts of liturgy, the chants, prayers and masses had also been changed to suit Norman versions.

	Created by Abi Doyle about 8 years ago

AS - Level History (Normans/Saxons) Slide Set on Controlling the Church - William I and his sons. , created by Abi Doyle on 10/03/2016.