Society: churchmen Flashcards
what were the signficance of nobles in societey
Nobles were few in number, just over 50, and owned huge areas of land which provided power in the localities
Estates were passed to the eldest son or nearest male relative. The King relied on these nobles to maintain law and order.
who were the gentry
the merchants and the commoners (ranging from those who farmed on small areas of land to those who worked for others) and the beggars.
what was the significance of the church and the pope in english societey
The largest landowner, besides the king, In 1485 this was the Roman Catholic Church under the Pope in Rome
Pope did not control english church but he controlled english doctrine and could influence domestic and foregin policy by witholding or offering support
what were the religous courts
what did the religous courts deal
who were the avavilable fore
the church formed state within state holding its own system of law courts and privledges avaliable for the clergy
religious crimes such as adultery, heresy and crimes committed by churchmen.
what were the problems with parish churches
Many parish priests were poorly educated, some were illiterate and some were very poor; 75% earned less than £15 p.a. while two thirds of bishops earned more than £500. Many priests served more than one parish (pluralism) in an effort to survive. There were instances of neglect and criminal activity by priests but generally the Church was popular with the people
what was the purpose of the bishops
to enforce the great chain of being
to ensure parish clergy reminded people for the need of obedience to authority and of the penalties if disorder occurred
what was the signfiance of the church in village life
People attended regularly and marked religious feasts, festivals and holy days.
