Ancient history

How did the Anglo Saxon church become Norman?

The Anglo-Saxon church became Norman through a process of conquest and assimilation that began with the Norman invasion of England in 1066. The Normans, led by William the Conqueror, were a French-speaking people from Normandy who quickly established their dominance over the Anglo-Saxon population.

One of the most significant changes brought about by the Norman invasion was the introduction of the Norman church hierarchy. The Normans replaced the Anglo-Saxon bishops and abbots with their own appointees, who were often French or Norman. This led to a significant change in the culture and practices of the English church.

The Norman church was more closely aligned with the papacy in Rome than the Anglo-Saxon church had been. This was due in part to the fact that the Normans had close ties to the French church, which was itself closely aligned with Rome. The Norman church also adopted many of the liturgical practices of the French church, such as the use of Latin in the liturgy.

The Norman Conquest also had a significant impact on the architecture of the English church. The Normans introduced a new style of architecture, known as Norman architecture, which was characterized by its use of rounded arches and heavy stone walls. Many of the great cathedrals and churches of England were built in the Norman style during this period.

Over time, the Anglo-Saxon and Norman churches began to blend together, and a new English church emerged. This new church retained some of the traditions of the Anglo-Saxon church, but it was also influenced by the Norman church. The English church became a powerful institution in medieval England, and it played a significant role in shaping English culture and society.