The Basics: Church Attitudes

Welcome to The Basics- a series of short articles designed to introduce and explain some of the features of normal life that everyone living in the 12th century would know (plus a bonus factoid for you to get ansty in the comments about). This week, we’re looking at what everyday people thought about the church and religious practice. Nobody in 12th century Britain (other than … Continue reading The Basics: Church Attitudes

Spurred Into Action: the Anglo-Normans and Cavalry

By Daniel FitzEdward The mounted warrior is, for many, the quintessential image of the knight. In France and England, the culture of knighthood was intertwined so heavily with horsemanship that the two were encapsulated in a single word- ‘chevalrie’. And yet, the Anglo-Norman knight of the early 12th century was no stranger to being dismounted. The battles of Tinchebrai, Bourgtheroulde, Brémule and Northallerton (aka The … Continue reading Spurred Into Action: the Anglo-Normans and Cavalry

Living In History

Today, we should all have been at Kenilworth. The morning sun would be shining, the sounds and bustle of an encampment waking up should be echoing off the castle walls. Bodies should be stiff from yesterday’s combat, and voices should be hoarse from last night’s excesses. Fires should be being lit, craftspeople unpacking their tools, fresh-faced levies being rolled out of bed, bleary-eyed knights mumbling … Continue reading Living In History