Medieval Realms

Historical Background

Fortified settlements had existed in Britain since long before the Norman Conquest. King Alfred is credited with introducing the burg system - a network of well-defended strongholds designed to afford protection in time of danger and a centre for trade in times of peace.

But the Norman castles were different because they were designed to dominate a hostile population. This is reflected in their siting, often at river crossings, or large settlements. Within five years of the Conquest, motte and bailey castles controlled the whole country and the next hundred and fifty years saw a continuous programme of development and reinforcement as wood gave way to stone and new ideas brought back from the Crusades influenced castle design.

Secular domination went hand in hand with annexation of all important church offices and even of the calendar of saints. Saxon saints were struck from the church calendar and William filled the sees and monasteries with bishops and abbots brought over from Normandy or Lorraine. Only one Englishman was made a bishop between 1070 and 1140. Saxon churches were pulled down and the Normans began to build the great stone cathedrals and churches that have survived to this day.

Modern research increasingly highlights the diversity of experience in medieval England and it is important to emphasise this to students. There was no such thing as the typical manor or the typical peasant. Geography, social status and personality all had a part to play in defining the pattern of everyday life both before and after the Conquest.

Time line

1066 The Normans defeat the Saxons at the battle of Hastings.
1086 The Domesday Book is compiled.
1093 Work begins on Durham Cathedral. Fourteen more cathedrals are under construction.
1130 The first wooden castle is built at Warkworth in Northumberland.
1348 The Black Death arrives in England.
1465 Bamburgh Castle, Northumberland, is attacked by cannon and badly damaged.