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How to dine like a Norman
In the Bayeux Tapestry, William the Conqueror is depicted enjoying a fine feast soon after his invasion of England in 1066. As well as a new language and the clean-shaven look, what else did the...
View ArticleThe story of the Norman Conquest – February 1066
Join us as we explore the people of 1066 – in just 140 characters. After the death of Edward the Confessor at the start of January 1066, by February Harold has been proclaimed the new King of England....
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How to Drink Like a Norman
“The English are noted among foreigners for their persistent drinking.” observed John of Salisbury, Bishop of Chartres from 1176-80. But whatever they thought of the English reputation for drunkenness,...
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Saxon Easter customs and where they survived
Easter gives us an insight into the customs of ordinary Saxons, before the Norman Conquest changed the culture of England. Rowena Willard-Wright, Senior Curator of Collections and Interiors, explains...
View ArticleThe story of the Norman Conquest – March 1066
Join us as we explore the people of 1066 – in just 140 characters. In March 1066, the trouble which had started brewing for King Harold from his brother-in-law Tostig continued to make the English...
View ArticleThe story of the Norman Conquest – April 1066
Join us as we explore the people of 1066 – in just 140 characters. Halley’s Comet passed overhead in April 1066 – was it an omen? And does it spell good news or disaster? Meanwhile, closer to earth...
View ArticleThe story of the Norman Conquest – May 1066
Join us as we explore the people of 1066 – in just 140 characters. Tostig’s treachery came to a head in May 1066 and began to cause real problems for King Harold and Queen Edith. For Duke William in...
View ArticleThe story of the Norman Conquest – June 1066
Join us as we explore the people of 1066 – in just 140 characters. June 1066 was the start of a summer of frustration for the Normans and apprehension for the people of England, who must have been...
View ArticleThe story of the Norman Conquest – July 1066
Join us as we explore the people of 1066 – in just 140 characters. As July 1066 wore on, the Normans were increasingly frustrated at not being able to sail and discussions (on both sides) turn to the...
View ArticleThe story of the Norman Conquest – August 1066
Join us as we explore the people of 1066 – in just 140 characters. By August 1066, Harold must have been wondering whether he’d got off lightly. After all, the Normans had not arrived all...
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What was the legacy of William the Conqueror?
Today we mark the 950th anniversary of the Battle of Hastings – arguably the most important date in English history. The Norman Conquest brought about the most radical change in society ever seen in...
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What happened to the #Battle1066 characters?
Throughout 2016, we’ve been posting from eight different Twitter channels, each representing different areas of medieval society. You can look back on the action by searching for #Battle1066, or read a...
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How William the Conqueror spent Christmas in 1066
This Christmas marks the 950th anniversary of William the Conqueror’s coronation. 1066 was a turbulent year, and William’s coronation was no different – as we’ll explore below. Look back through 1066...
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Who or what inspired you to love history?
Throughout March, for Women’s History Month, we’ve been looking at pioneering women and role models from the past whose stories inspire us today. But not all inspirational figures have lived in...
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How to spot: A castle hiding in plain sight
We all know a castle when we see one…or do we? Famous stone castles, that reveal the power and wealth of important medieval families, are hard to miss – but there are more than 700 early castle sites...
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