Lanfranc of Canterbury

Lanfranc was appointed Archbishop of Canterbury by William the Conqueror. He became the king's chief advisor and worked to reorganize the English Church after the Norman Conquest.

Lanfranc implemented Gregorian reforms in England, including enforcing clerical celibacy, separating ecclesiastical courts from secular ones, and standardizing liturgical practices. He also replaced many Anglo-Saxon bishops with Normans.

Lanfranc presided over the trial of Odo of Bayeux, William's half-brother, for misgoverning his earldom. Lanfranc's judgment led to Odo's imprisonment, demonstrating the archbishop's authority over even the highest nobles.

Lanfranc crowned William II Rufus as King of England after William the Conqueror's death. He played a key role in securing the succession and maintaining stability during the transition.