Council of London in 1075 facts for kids

The Council of London in 1075 was a very important meeting for the Catholic Church in England. It was held by Lanfranc, the new archbishop of Canterbury, just five years after he started his job. Lanfranc was a powerful leader who came from Normandy (part of modern-day France) after the Norman Conquest.

Other important church leaders also attended this council. These included Gisa, the Bishop of Wells, and William the Norman, the Bishop of London. During the council, they made several important decisions and rules. These rules are known as the "Canons of the Council of London AD 1075."

What was the Council of London in 1075?

A church council is a special meeting where important religious leaders come together. They discuss how the church should be run and make new rules. The Council of London in 1075 was one of the first big meetings of the church in England after the Normans took over.

Why was this Council Important?

After the Normans conquered England in 1066, they wanted to make changes. This included changes to the church. Lanfranc, as the new archbishop, played a key role in bringing these changes. The council helped to organize the church in England under Norman rule. It also made sure that the church followed the rules of the wider Catholic Church.

Who Attended the Council?

Many important church leaders were present at the council. These included:

• Two archbishops (including Lanfranc)
• Twelve bishops
• Twenty-one abbots (leaders of monasteries)
• The Archdeacon of Canterbury

These leaders all agreed to the new rules made at the council.

The Canons of the Council

The decisions made at the council were written down in Latin, the language of the church at the time. These decisions are called "canons." They were like new laws or guidelines for how the church and its members should behave.

What were the Canons About?

The canons covered different topics related to church life. They helped to set clear rules for priests, bishops, and monasteries. These rules were important for keeping order and making sure everyone followed the same practices. Copies of these rules were made and sent to different churches, like Canterbury Cathedral and Worcester Cathedral. This helped to spread the new decisions across England.

The Council of London in 1075 was a big step in shaping the church in England during the Norman period. It showed how the new Norman leaders were bringing their own ways to the country.