What financial measure did William use to fund mercenaries?

• A. Set a geld tax
• B. Imposed a feudal tax on Normandy only
• C. Abolished tolls
• D. Sold royal artifacts

Answer: (A)

Funding his early campaigns relied on established revenue methods, especially the geld, a land tax that could be assessed across England. William used the geld to raise money quickly from landowners, providing the cash needed to pay mercenaries and secure his control as he consolidated Norman rule. The other options don’t fit the practical needs: taxing Normandy alone wouldn’t yield the broader revenue required for English campaigns; removing tolls would cut everyday income but wouldn’t reliably fund paid soldiers; selling royal artifacts would produce only small, irregular sums and weaken royal prestige.