Change in Architecture
One less violent way in which William secured his dominance and legacy, was with a castle building campaign - many of which can be seen today! Although usually not the ones that William and his followers built, but later ones built on the same site. You can use your imagination to see how these have developed!
Before the Normans there were only around 5-10 castles in England - after William the Conqueror’s death in 1087 there were hundreds! English nobles of course had residences. But the style changed. These castles can be seen all over the country and a lot of them are now English Heritage sites...
Pevensey Castle, Sussex by Thomas Girtin (1775-1802)
Pevensey Castle, East Sussex
Pevensey Castle has a long history, dating back to the Roman Times. When William and his Army landed in England, the army expanded the already existing fort for defence and shelter.
The Castle’s history and heritage continues as it even plays a part in the Second World War! See the Castle’s history here.
Richmond Castle, Yorkshire by WILLIAM CALLOW
Richmond Castle, North Yorkshire
Richmond Castle might be one of the most famous Norman Castles, especially as it is one of the most complete! The castle was most likely completed in the 1070s to gain control of Northern Rebels - see more here.
This Castle has a rich history - during the First World War men were imprisoned in Richmond Castle for being conscientious objectors to the War. See more on conscientious objectors and the Richmond Sixteen here.
More detailed history about the castle here.
dOVER CASTLE, Unknown
Dover Castle, Kent
The history of Dover Castle heavily links with war and conflict - expanding from the Romans to the Cold War!
Before the Norman invasion in 1066, the building did exist but after William’s victory the defences were strengthened and was rebuilt into a Norman Castle.
The Castle, always changing and developing also played a part in the English Civil War, the defence during the Napoleonic Wars and the First and Second World Wars!
See more about the history of this castle here.
