Explain how William I was able to keep England under control.

Introduction:
William the Conqueror, Duke of Normandy, seized the English throne in 1066 after his victory at the Battle of Hastings. However, his conquest was far from complete. He faced significant resistance from the Anglo-Saxon population, requiring him to implement a comprehensive strategy to consolidate his authority and establish lasting control over England. His success relied on a multifaceted approach that intertwined military might, administrative reforms, and shrewd religious policies.

Military Power
Paragraph 1: The Harrying of the North
In 1069, a series of rebellions erupted across the North of England, fueled by resentment towards Norman rule and exacerbated by Danish intervention. William's response was brutal and decisive. He unleashed his army on the North, engaging in what became known as the "Harrying of the North." This involved widespread destruction of crops, livestock, and villages, leading to famine and depopulation. While undeniably cruel, the Harrying effectively crushed the rebellion and served as a chilling example of William's ruthlessness, discouraging further uprisings.

Paragraph 2: Castles and Norman Knights
Recognizing the importance of a strong military presence, William strategically constructed castles across England. These included formidable stone fortresses like the Tower of London, which served as both a symbol of Norman dominance and a strategic base of operations. Motte-and-bailey castles, quicker to build, were erected across the country, allowing Norman lords to control strategic locations, monitor local populations, and rapidly respond to any sign of unrest. The castles, coupled with the military prowess of Norman knights bound by feudal obligations, ensured William maintained a firm grip on his new kingdom and could readily suppress any resistance.

Administrative Control

Paragraph 3: The Domesday Book
In 1085, William commissioned the Domesday Book, a comprehensive survey of landholding and resources in England. This ambitious project recorded who owned what land, how much it was worth, and the taxes owed. The Domesday Book provided William with an unprecedented level of knowledge about his kingdom, enabling him to establish a more efficient and fairer tax system. This, in turn, generated greater revenue for the crown, strengthening William's financial position and solidifying his control over the distribution of wealth.

Paragraph 4: Changes to Law and Government
While keen to establish Norman authority, William was pragmatic enough to recognize the value of existing Anglo-Saxon systems. He retained some aspects of English law and administration but introduced Norman customs and practices. He established royal courts, staffed by loyal Norman followers, to administer justice and enforce his laws. Key positions of power were also given to trusted Norman allies, further consolidating his control and minimizing the risk of dissent from within the ruling class.

Religious Policies

Paragraph 5: Relationship with the Church
William understood the importance of a strong relationship with the Church. He secured the support of Pope Alexander II for his invasion and later appointed the capable Lanfranc as Archbishop of Canterbury. This alliance legitimized his claim to the throne and provided a moral underpinning to his rule. Lanfranc introduced significant reforms within the English Church, aligning it more closely with Norman practices and strengthening its organizational structure. This enhanced William's authority and brought stability and a degree of cultural unity to his new realm.

Conclusion
Summarise the main points:
William the Conqueror's successful control of England after 1066 was not solely due to his victory at Hastings. His lasting authority stemmed from a multi-pronged approach. The brutal suppression of rebellions, strategic implementation of castles and loyal Norman forces, coupled with the administrative reforms of the Domesday Book and integration of legal systems, established a strong foundation for Norman rule. Furthermore, his shrewd alliance with the Church and the resulting religious reforms further legitimized his claim and fostered a degree of unity. William's reign, characterized by ruthlessness, pragmatism, and strategic foresight, laid the groundwork for the Norman dynasty and significantly shaped the course of English history.