Archdeacon

Lanfranc increased the number of archdeacons, officials below bishops who monitored parish priests and helped enforce discipline. Local priests, many of whom remained English, were therefore subject to closer supervision rather than all being replaced. This created a clearer chain through which reforms could reach individual communities.

More archdeacons were appointed to help bishops supervise parish priests. They enforced discipline and assisted Church courts. This gave senior Church leaders a stronger means of checking whether local clergy followed their instructions.