Norman cathedrals & monasteries

The Normans significantly influenced England by building churches and monasteries, often on top of Saxon structures, to demonstrate their power and religious alignment. They granted land to the church, which in turn made local communities dependent on the church for farming and living. The church paid taxes to the King, who provided more land for expansion, including the construction of grand cathedrals like Canterbury and York. This strategy not only reinforced Norman authority but also integrated religious and economic control over the region.

What was one of the main reasons the Normans built larger churches on top of Saxon ones?

• To avoid building new foundations

• To reduce construction costs

• To demonstrate their architectural superiority

• To preserve Saxon architecture

How did the Normans ensure the church became self-sufficient?

• By bringing monks who cleared land and planted crops

• By importing crops from Normandy

• By building more churches

• By reducing taxes on the church

What was the impact of the church's self-sufficiency on local communities?

• Communities had to pay rent to the church

• Communities received free land from the church

• Communities were taxed less by the king

• Communities became independent from the church

What role did the church play in the expansion of cities like Canterbury and York?

• The church restricted city expansion

• The church provided land for cathedrals

• The church demolished existing buildings

• The church relocated city residents

How did the Normans use church buildings to convey a message?

• By making them smaller and more modest

• By decorating them with Saxon symbols

• By using them to show they had divine support

• By painting them in bright colors