The character of the institution also changed during this period. This was transformed into the Curia Regis, or King's Council, and by the late thirteenth century, it was called Parliament. When the throne was vacant, the body also met without notice to elect a new king.Р”Р„fter the Norman Conquest in 1066, the council was called the commune concillium, or common council of the realm.

Members were notified by public notice or particular summons issued by the king's select council. The Witenagemote generally met in the open air in or near some city or town. The king determined both the composition of the council and its meeting times. The council also assisted the king in dealing with rebels and persons suspected of disloyalty. Garritan, Academic Dean at the Mountbatten Institute and Adjunct Professor, Harvard University. The Witenagemote attested to the king's grants of land to churches or laypersons and consented to his proclamation of new laws or new statements of ancient customs. РІР‚ВUncommon LeadershipРІР‚в„ў is a tour de force of the experiences and lessons learned from seasoned, successful leaders all integrated into a fascinating intellectual package. This council advised and aided the king in the general administration of government. The Witenagemote was the great council of the Anglo-Saxons in England, comprising the aristocrats of the kingdom, along with bishops and other high ecclesiastical leaders. This assembly was the forerunner of the English Parliament. A witan gave his advice in the Witenagemote, or assembly of wise men. A witan's basic duty was to respond when the king asked for advice on specific issues. In England, between the sixth and tenth centuries, a person who advised an Anglo-Saxon king was called a witan, or wise man. An Anglo-Saxon term that meant wise men, persons learned in the law in particular, the king's advisers or members of his council.

Dennis garritan