Towns (AQA GCSE History): Revision Notes

Towns under Norman rule

The Norman Conquest brought significant transformations to English towns, with changes that were far more dramatic than those experienced in rural areas. Understanding how towns evolved during this period helps us see the broader impact of Norman rule on English society.

Background: Anglo-Saxon towns before 1066

Before the Norman Conquest, England had relatively few towns compared to other parts of Europe. The Anglo-Saxon towns that did exist were primarily located along the southern and eastern coastlines, where they served as important trading centres for England's thriving wool industry. These coastal settlements had developed naturally around areas where rivers met the sea or where major roads intersected, making them ideal locations for merchants to gather and conduct business.

The existing towns were quite different from what would develop under Norman rule. They were smaller, less organised, and had grown organically rather than being planned settlements. This would change dramatically after 1066.

Who lived in Norman towns?

Norman towns attracted a diverse range of people, each seeking different opportunities that urban life could provide. The towns became centres of commerce and craftsmanship, drawing people from various social backgrounds.

Business owners and merchants formed an important part of town society, establishing shops and trading ventures that connected English towns to broader European markets. Skilled craftsmen set up workshops where they could practice specialised trades, often working as apprentices before establishing their own businesses. Many people also worked as servants in the homes and businesses of wealthier townspeople.

The most privileged town residents were known as burgesses - essentially citizens of the town who enjoyed special rights and protections under the law. These burgesses had greater freedoms than rural peasants and often served important community roles, such as working as town watchmen or serving in the local militia to help defend their settlement.

How Norman towns were organised

Norman towns followed a distinctive layout that reflected both practical needs and the new power structures introduced after the Conquest. A typical Norman town was carefully planned around several key features that defined urban life.

At the heart of most Norman towns stood a castle, which served as both a symbol of Norman authority and a practical fortress for defence. This castle was usually positioned strategically to overlook the town and surrounding countryside. Nearby, you would typically find a church or monastery, emphasising the important role of Christianity in Norman society.

The economic centre of the town was the market place, where merchants and craftsmen would gather regularly to sell their goods. This area was usually located along the main street, which was deliberately built wide to accommodate the crowds and activities of market days. The width of these main streets was actually regulated by law, showing how seriously the Normans took urban planning.

Residential houses were scattered throughout the town, providing homes for the various people who lived and worked there. On the edges of many towns, workshops were established where craftsmen could practice trades that might produce smoke, smells, or noise that would disturb residents if located in the town centre.

Most Norman towns were surrounded by protective walls, with gates that could be guarded and locked at night for security. This fortification was essential during a period when political tensions and conflicts were common.

Changes the Normans brought to English towns

The Norman impact on English towns was dramatic and multifaceted, bringing both opportunities and challenges for the people living there.

Positive developments

The Normans demonstrated remarkable ambition in urban development, creating 21 completely new towns during their early period of rule. Most of these new settlements were strategically located near newly constructed castles, which provided both protection and a source of economic activity as the castle required supplies and services.

Perhaps most importantly, the Normans introduced the guild system to English towns. These guilds were organisations that controlled specific trades and crafts, regulating who could practice certain occupations and maintaining standards for the quality of goods produced. While this system created some restrictions, it also provided protection for craftsmen and helped ensure that customers received quality products.

Negative consequences

However, Norman rule also brought significant hardships to many towns. When towns in rebellious areas resisted Norman authority, they faced severe retaliation. Many settlements were attacked and damaged during the process of Norman consolidation of power.

Economic pressures also increased under Norman rule. In some larger towns like Oxford and York, populations actually declined as people struggled with the effects of rebellions or found themselves unable to afford the higher rents and charges that Norman landlords imposed. These economic pressures damaged local businesses and made life more difficult for ordinary townspeople.

The Normans also took greater control over market activities, increasing both rents for market stalls and various tolls and taxes that traders had to pay. While this provided revenue for Norman lords, it made commerce more expensive and challenging for many people.

Timeline of key developments

• 1066: Norman Conquest begins the transformation of English towns
• c.1070-1100: 21 new towns established by Norman rulers
• c.1070s onwards: Guild system introduced to regulate trades and crafts
• c.1080s onwards: Major castle building programme affects existing towns