Orthodox Britain? Part III

Archbishop Stigand of Canterbury supported Benedict X, a rival pope of Alexander. * This is an important fact as it demonstrates that Stigand recognized the papacy in principal, even if it was not Pope Alexander himself. Archbishop Stigand perhaps got himself in trouble with Rome not simply by his rule of two Dioceses but also his support of an anti-pope.
 The English Church would experience gradually reformation in alignment to the disciples of Rome including Clerical Celibacy {an issue that would take many years to solve}, more frequent church synods, the use of Latin in church services, the introduction of the order of the Cluny, greater access to church libraries, the gradual elimination of Old English Literature, the use of Archdeacons and a change in art. All of that said, the English Church was changed in disciplined according to Rome in many ways, though I have yet to learn if The English Church changed at all in doctrine according to the demands of Rome {which I currently have no reason to believe.} 
 After William the Conqueror successfully overtook England he would begin a slow process of changing the clergy etc. The English Church would adapt many of the common influences from the Roman Church at that time including liturgy etc. Even then, I have not yet come across any historical documents that somehow show The Church of England of this time changed its teachings as a response to the Norman Conquest. Indeed, while many upheavals would arise over the following centuries, The Church of England would always be in communion with Rome until 1534.  Perhaps contrary to Anglican and Orthodox myths then, England before 1066 had been a Roman Catholic Country all along.
 It is interesting to note however, that while William the Conqueror early on supported the growing reformed Papacy, he would later go against it. Also, many of the Reformers representing the wills of the Reformed Papacy which was attempting to give itself more and more power. This surgence of power among the popes, would come into conflict with the English kings for a very longtime. William I of England demanded all bishops and abbots of England swear fealty of their lands. The supporters of the reformed papacy never succeeded in undoing the power of kings over many church lands. William of England then saw himself as the head of the English Church, as would kings of England throughout Medieval Times. This historical fact of William's power actually lays great claim to the authority over Henry VIII over The Church of England. Just as William of England saw himself as head of the bishops and abbots in his kingdom, so later Henry VIII would abolish the control of lands once owned by monasteries that did not give him his due power. The conflict of state and church would last many centuries in England, and William I had set the stage for the English Reformation under Henry VIII by William's own claim to power over the bishops and abbots.

These historical facts can actually benefit Catholics or Anglicans depending on how one looks at it. On the one hand, it shows that England was Catholic prior to 1066. On the other hand, it shows that long before the Reformation, the English monarchy already saw itself as the head of its church and that despite being in communion with Rome, The Church of England, due to its support of England's monarchy, had a good historical case for its break with Rome in 1534 when the pope excommunicated Henry VIII.
On a flip note, artwork before the Norman Conquest was often performed by women. Even the Bayeux Tapestries were possibly made by women. Anglo-Saxon art would remain after the Norman Conquest, ultimately never fully eliminated by it.  In architecture, the Normans brought the use of castle to England. Building many castles, the Normans wanted to remind the Saxons who was in charge.  The Normans would also respect the Literature and Language of the English.
The Norman Conquest does not prove which church is theologically or morally right. It does demonstrate however, the beginnings of what will eventually be a long rivalry between Canterbury and Rome. 

*Nowadays, Rome would say the former was an anti-pope, meaning actually held the office of papacy. 




Further Sources: The Norman Conquest: England After William the Conqueror by Hugh M. Thomas, Life in the Middle Ages: Castle by Kathryn Hinds.

https://www.britannica.com/biography/Stigand