The Norman aristocracy Flashcards

All 7 cards in this deck

True or false? Norman aristocrats generally learned to speak English.

False. Norman aristocrats did not learn English, though their children often spoke both Norman French and English.

What was the most common pastime of the Norman aristocracy?

Hunting, which was also good preparation for fighting in war.

Where did many Norman aristocrats hold their land?

In both England and Normandy, so they travelled frequently between the two countries.

Who was Bishop Odo?

William I's half-brother and Bishop of Bayeux. He fought at Hastings and was rewarded with the earldom of Kent.

What position did Bishop Odo hold while William I was away in Normandy?

Regent, governing England in the king's name.

Why did William I imprison Bishop Odo in 1082?

Odo was accused of trying to take knights from England to Rome, apparently to make himself pope; mismanaging his earldom may also have played a part. He stayed in prison until William's death in 1087.

Which language replaced English for royal writs after the Norman Conquest?

Latin. Before 1066 writs were often written in English; under the Normans official documents were written in Latin, while the ruling elite spoke Norman French.