King Henry I of ENGLAND, KING

                   Henry I, called Beauclerc, seems to have made a much better king than hiselder brother William.  During his reign (1100-1135) the royaladministration was expanded and the rule of law solidified. The Court ofthe Exchequer was formed to handle financial matters. It took its namefrom the checkered cloth or table on which the accounts were handled. Oneof the ways Henry raised money was by selling charters to towns. Charterswere a special grant that enabled towns to build walls, raise local taxesand elect their own local administrators.  During Henry's reign a newwave of monastic settlements began, beginning in 1128 when theCistercians arrived from France. Many of the great monasteries, nowruined, are from this time period. One of the easiest ways of identifyingbuildings from this early Norman period is by the shape of their window,door, and arch openings, which are smoothly rounded.  The language of thecourt, schools, the law, and the aristocracy was Norman French. It wasnot until the loss of Normandy in 1204 that the Normans began to learnEnglish and a melding of the two languages began.
[Copy of Current.FTW]

[Williamson.FTW]
Reigned 1100-1135. Duke of Normandy 1106-1135.
His reign is notable for important legal and administrative reforms, and
for
the final re solution of the investiture controversy. Abroad, he waged
several
campaigns in order to consolidate and expand his continental possessions.
Was so hated b y his brothers that they vowed to disinherit him. In 1106he
captured Robert a nd held him til he died. He proved to be a hard but just
ruler. He aparently d ied from over eating Lampreys[copy.FTW]

[Williamson.FTW]

Reigned 1100-1135. Duke of Normandy 1106-1135.
His reign is notable for important legal and administrative reforms, andfor
the final resolution of the investiture controversy. Abroad, he wagedseveral
campaigns in order to consolidate and expand his continental possessions.
Was so hated by his brothers that they vowed to disinherit him. In 1106 he
captured Robert and held him til he died. He proved to be a hard but just
ruler. He aparently died from over eating Lampreys