Monastic Reform and the Growth of Abbeys Flashcards

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What was the main aim of monastic reform in Norman England after 1066?

The aim was to make monasteries more strict and well run, with monks obeying church rules and avoiding corruption.

Which religious rule did most Norman monks in England follow?

Most Norman monks followed the Benedictine Rule, which stressed poverty, chastity, obedience, prayer and work.

Who led many of the monastic reforms in England after 1066?

Lanfranc, the Archbishop of Canterbury, led many reforms by visiting monasteries, checking behaviour and replacing bad abbots.

What is an abbey?

An abbey is a large monastery with its own church and buildings, led by an abbot or abbess.

How did Norman reform change the daily life of monks?

Monks had a stricter timetable, spending more time in church services, prayer, reading and work, with less personal freedom.

What was the Cluniac order and why was it important in Norman England?

The Cluniac order was a strict form of Benedictine monasticism from Cluny in France, and its houses in England helped push for stricter prayer and discipline.

How did the number of monasteries in England change after the Norman Conquest?

The number of monasteries grew quickly, as many new abbeys and smaller priories were founded across England.

Why did Norman kings and nobles found or endow new abbeys?

They did this to show their piety, to gain prayers for their souls and families, and to thank God for victories or good fortune.

What was Battle Abbey and why was it founded?

Battle Abbey was a monastery founded by William the Conqueror near the site of the Battle of Hastings, as a penance and to thank God for his victory.

How did monastic reform affect who ran English monasteries?

Many English abbots were removed and replaced with Norman abbots who supported the reforms and followed Norman church practices.

In what ways did abbeys become powerful in Norman England?

Abbeys owned large areas of land, controlled villages and farms, and became rich from rents, gifts and trade.

How did the growth of abbeys help the Norman rulers control England?

New abbeys were loyal to the king, helped spread Norman culture and ideas, and strengthened Norman control over local areas.