Norman Castles
Before Normans only Burhs (Fortified towns)- larger= Royal
Burhs; smaller= Burh-Geats. Controlled key areas and
purpose is largely unknown. Famous Royal Burh= Winchester.
Word ‘CASTLE’ NOT USED IN ENGLAND- USED FOR OVER 200
YEARS IN FRANCE
Edward the Confessor had close links with Normandy who
helped with the power struggle with Godwinson. One
Normans built 3 castles along the Welsh Border- huge
mounds of Earth, Palisade + tower on top. Written in Anglo-
Saxon Chronicle and First time ‘Castle’ used in England.
Normans built first castles at Pevensey and Hastings. Used
Ruins.
Following Hastings massive increase to help subdue
population and control key points.
Three interpretations of castles:
Traditionalist- Military Purposes; at time of war
Revisionist- Status Purposes; at time of peace
Modern- Both purposes; both interpretations went to far
● Finding out:
○ Survey Earthworks- helped show how castles were
used and two types: Motte and Bailey, and Ringwork
○ Examine Stone Structures– Hard due to many no
longer existing; Exeter Castle shows status
○ Look at Landscape- Many in countryside and not
defended
○ Excavating Sites- Very effective; expensive and long
time
Before Normans only Burhs (Fortified towns)- larger= Royal
Burhs; smaller= Burh-Geats. Controlled key areas and
purpose is largely unknown. Famous Royal Burh= Winchester.
Word ‘CASTLE’ NOT USED IN ENGLAND- USED FOR OVER 200
YEARS IN FRANCE
Edward the Confessor had close links with Normandy who
helped with the power struggle with Godwinson. One
Normans built 3 castles along the Welsh Border- huge
mounds of Earth, Palisade + tower on top. Written in Anglo-
Saxon Chronicle and First time ‘Castle’ used in England.
Normans built first castles at Pevensey and Hastings. Used
Ruins.
Following Hastings massive increase to help subdue
population and control key points.
Three interpretations of castles:
Traditionalist- Military Purposes; at time of war
Revisionist- Status Purposes; at time of peace
Modern- Both purposes; both interpretations went to far
● Finding out:
○ Survey Earthworks- helped show how castles were
used and two types: Motte and Bailey, and Ringwork
○ Examine Stone Structures– Hard due to many no
longer existing; Exeter Castle shows status
○ Look at Landscape- Many in countryside and not
defended
○ Excavating Sites- Very effective; expensive and long
time
