An Armory of Writs: The Rewriting of the English Social Contract, 1066-1290

An Armory of Writs: The Rewriting of the English Social Contract, 1066-1290 Blau, Zachary S. B.A. Thesis (Medieval Studies),Wesleyan University, April (2009) Abstract The protection of real property rights was central to the development of the social contract paradigm upon which modern Anglo-American democracies are based. According to John Locke, whose Second Treatise of Government […]

Saints, Monks and Bishops; cult and authority in the diocese of Wells (England) before the Norman Conquest

Saints, Monks and Bishops; cult and authority in the diocese of Wells (England) before the Norman Conquest Costen, Michael (University of Bristol, UK) Peregrinations: Journal of Medieval Art and Architecture, Volume 3, No. 2 (2011) Abstract This paper is founded upon a database, assembled by the writer, of some 3300 instances of dedications to saints […]

The Origins of King’s Lynn? Control of Wealth on the Wash Prior to the Norman Conquest

King's Lynn - medieval walls

The Origins of King’s Lynn? Control of Wealth on the Wash Prior to the Norman Conquest Hutcheson, A.R.J. Medieval Archaeology, 50, (2006) Abstract This paper investigates the archaeology and history of ‘productive’ sites, estate centres and towns between A.D. 600 and 1100 in north-western East Anglia. Whilst it concentrates on a specific sub-region (NW. Norfolk), an […]

Ralph de Limésy: Conqueror’s Nephew? The Origins of a Discounted Claim

william the conqueror

Ralph de Limésy: Conqueror’s Nephew? The Origins of a Discounted Claim Jackson, Peter (University of Oxford) Prosopon Newsletter (1997) Abstract The name of Ralph de Limésy is well enough known to medieval prosopographers, both as a substantial tenant-in-chief in several counties in post-Conquest England and as the founder (ca 1095) of a Benedictine house at […]

The Justification of the Conquest Chapter 1 of Conquered England: Kingship, Succession, and Tenure 1066-1166

Anglo-Saxon Chronicle

The Justification of the Conquest Chapter 1 of Conquered England: Kingship, Succession, and Tenure 1066-1166 Garnett, George Abstract The author of the D manuscript of the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle was almost certainly a member of Archbishop Ealdred of York’s household. He was, therefore, probably at the centre of events during 1066, and his testimony deserves to be […]

The Bretons and Normans of England 1066-1154: the family, the fief and the feudal monarchy

The Bretons and Normans of England 1066-1154: the family, the fief and the feudal monarchy Keats-Rohan, K.S.B. Nottingham Mediaeval Studies, 36 (1992) Abstract Of all the available studies of the Norman Conquest none has been more than tangentially concerned with the fact, acknowledged by all, that the regional origin of those who participated in or benefited from […]

The Bayeux Tapestry: a stripped narative for their eyes and ears

The Bayeux Tapestry: a stripped narative for their eyes and ears Brilliant, Richard Word and Image, Vol..7, (1991) Abstract The Bayeaux Tapestry, a masterpiece of medieval narrative art, tells the highly politicised story of the ascension to the English crown, held by Edward the Confessor. The historical narrative begins in 1064 while Edward was still […]

The fall of the last Anglo-Saxon King: a case of leadership failure during a crisis

coke

The case describes the Battle of Hastings, placing emphasis on the decisions made by Harold Godwinson, the last Anglo-Saxon King of England. First the events leading up to the battle are presented to provide the context and show the preparations undertaken by Harold. Next the Battle itself is explored.

The Mercian Connection, Harold Godwineson’s Ambitions, Diplomacy and Channel-crossing, 1056-1066

Mercia

The Mercian Connection, Harold  Godwineson’s Ambitions, Diplomacy and Channel-crossing, 1056 -1066 VAN KEMPEN,AD F. J. (Tilburg, The Netherlands) History, Volume 94, Issue 313 (2009) Abstract It is supposed that the Vita Ædwardi contains some information about Harold’s dealings with William of Normandy in 1064. This article links these covert references with William of Poitiers’ statements […]

This progenitor of Britishness has been denied her place in the pantheon

Princess Nest of Wales

This progenitor of Britishness has been denied her place in the pantheon Jenkins, Scott The Guardian, December 21 (2007) Abstract Where are you, Hollywood? Where is the dozy BBC? She was a king’s daughter, another’s hostage, and mistress of a third. Her beauty made men tremble at the mention of her name. She was seized […]

William the Bastard at War

Although what he did – and what Harold did – in 1066 itself has been endlessly discussed, no real attempt has been made to put that decisive campaign into the context of William’s whole career as a war leader.

A Guide to the Domesday Book

Domesday Book extract

A guide to the Domesday Book, one of the most fascinating set of records from the Middle Ages.

The Domesday Economy of England, 1086

Page from the Domesday Book for Warwickshire, including listing of Birmingham

Some 900 years ago, a remarkable survey was undertaken. The survey, which has become known as the Domesday Survey, was ordered by the King of England, William (the Conqueror).

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