Transcript Growth of Royal Power in England and France Section 1

Growth of Royal Power in
England and France
Section 1
Amber Blocker
World History
The growth of Royal Power
William exerted
firm control over
his new lands. Like
other feudal
monarchs, he
granted fiefs to the
church and his
Norman lords, or
barons, but he kept
a large amount of
land for his self.
William’s
successors
continued to
increase royal
authority. They
created the royal
exchequer, or
treasury, to collect
taxes.
Monarchs, Nobles and the Church
Feudal monarchs
in Europe stood at
the head of society,
but had limited
power. While they
ruled their own
domains, they
relied on vassals
foe military
support.
They jealousy
guarded their rights
and privileges
against any effort
by rulers to
increase in
authority.
The monarchs in England
During the early
middle ages,
Angles, Saxons,
and Vikings
invaded and
settled in England.
English rulers
generally kept their
kingdoms united.
A counsel of nobles
chose the king’s
brother-in-law
Harold to rule, who
would take over the
throne.
The Magna Carta
In 1215, a group of rebellious barons
cornered John and forced him to sign
the Magna Carta, or great charter. In
this document, the king affirmed a
long list of feudal rights.
Conflict with the Church
Henry’s efforts to extend royal power
led to a bitter dispute with the Church.
Henry claimed the right to try clergy in
royal courts. In 1170, they murdered
the archbishop in his own cathedral
which led to major conflict in the
church.