Norman rule in Cumbria, 1092-1136

Uses the charters of William II and Henry I to investigate the extent of royal administration in Cumberland in comparison with Northumberland. Immediately after William II’s conquest of Carlisle in 1092, it is impossible to be sure what structures were put in place, though there is a possibility tha...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Author: Sharpe, R
Format: Book
Published: Titus Wilson & Son, Kendal, Cumbria 2006
Description
Summary:Uses the charters of William II and Henry I to investigate the extent of royal administration in Cumberland in comparison with Northumberland. Immediately after William II’s conquest of Carlisle in 1092, it is impossible to be sure what structures were put in place, though there is a possibility that Ivo Taillebois (d. 1094) was for a short time in charge. By 1101 Ranulf Meschin had charge of both Carlisle and Appleby with wide but undefined powers under the king. He surrenders his role in 1121–2, and from then until (it is argued) 1133 Cumberland and Westmorland were run by minor local officials answerable to the Exchequer (as can be seen in the pipe roll of 1129–30). It is further argued that the creation of a bishopric for this area in 1133 went along with establishing for the first time normal shire institutions in Cumberland, including a sheriff, who remained in office under Scottish rule after 1136.