They pushed the pastoral staff into his hands, and carried him off to a neighbouring church, while the people shouted "Long live the bishop!" What everybody felt was that with Anselm as Archbishop things might be better in England, for Anselm's reputation stood very high.

He had been the friend of Lanfranc, the late Archbishop; he had been an honoured guest at the Court of William the Conqueror; and he was known for his deep learning, his sanctity of life, and simple, disinterested devotion to duty.

It was hoped that with a man of such holiness at Canterbury some restraint might be placed on the lawless tyranny of the Red King.

Lanfranc had been the trusted counsellor and right hand of the Red King's father: why should not Anselm bring back the son to the paths of decency--at least?
The Archbishop of Canterbury was the chief man in the realm next to the king, and for three years since Lanfranc's death the see had been kept vacant that William Rufus might enjoy its revenues for his own pleasure.

It was not unreasonable that men should look to the appointment of Anselm as the beginning of an amendment in Church and State.