This was an
advisory council and consisted of the Conquerer's wife and sons,
earls, barons, knights, officers of the King's household,
archbishops, and bishops. It replaced the witen of wise men. It
dealt with fundamental matters of law, state, war, and church. Its
functions were largely ceremonial. Earldoms and knighthoods were
conferred and homages to the king were witnessed. Bishops were
nominated. Attendance at the council, like attendance at courts,
was regarded as a burden rather than a privilege. The Conquerer's
will was the motive force which under lay all the council's
action. When it was administering royal justice, it was called the
Royal Court..
The Justiciar was the head of all legal matters and he or the
Conquerer's wife represented the King at the Royal Court in his
absence from the realm. The chamberlain was a financial officer of
the household; his work was rather that of auditor or accountant.
The Chancellor headed the Chancery and the chapel. Other household
offices were steward, butler, constable, and marshall. The
Treasurer was responsible for the collection and distribution of
revenue and was the keeper of the royal treasure at the palace at
Winchester. He was also an important member of the household and
sat in the Exchequer at Westminster, where he received the
accounts of the sheriffs. The Exchequer was composed of the
justiciar as head, the chancellor, the constable, two
chamberlains, the marshall and other experienced councilors.
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