It is probable, however, that what was wanting in parade, was equalled by an expence in hospitality, which must, of course, employ a great many Domestics of different kinds in their several departments, to which we may suppose were added many of a Military nature, which the situation of the Conqueror rendered necessary in his new dominion. There being but few Placemen in those times, the Court was chiefly composed of Ecclesiastics, Barons, Knights, and other Military Gentlemen, led by the hopes of preferment or promotion; and Lord Lyttelton says, William was always liberal to his Soldiers and to the Church[78]. The Barons were, at this time of day, the chief Council of the Realm; they held their Baronies of the King, for which they were perpetually doing homage; and on these accounts the Court must have been crowded,--at least much frequented. [78] Life of Henry II. vol. i. p. 74. As to the internal part of the Court, I mean the Attendants on the Royal person, we know but very little. King Alfred, however, who lived 200 years before the Conquest, during his attention to the Police of his Kingdom in general, did not forget the internal good government of his Household; for we learn from Ingulphus[79] that he divided his Attendants into three classes, who were appointed to wait by turns, _monthly_. [79] Dividens Familiam in tres Turmas, singulis Turmis singulos Principes imposuit; et unusquisque Princeps cum suâ Turmâ per unum mensem in Regis Ministerio Palatium conservavit. Uno mense completo, exiens ad proprios agros cum suâ Turmâ, propriis negotiis per duorum mensium spatium intendebat; et interim secundus Princeps per unum mensem, et tertius Princeps per alium mensem post illum in Regis Palatio ministrabat: ut postea propriis utilitatibus per duos menses quælibet Turma vacaret. Hâc revolutione Servorum suorum, totiusque familiæ suæ rotatione, usus est omni tempore vitæ suæ. Ingulph. Hist. p. 870.