The Medieval Period, or Middle Ages, is a period in European history which lasted from the 5th to the 15th centuries. This period came to an end with the fall of the Western Roman Empire and the beginning of the Renaissance. It is also known as the Dark Ages because it was a time of […]
England in the Middle Ages
England in the Middle Ages concerns the history of England during the medieval period, from the end of the 5th century through to the start of the Early Modern period in 1485. When England emerged from the collapse of the Roman Empire, the economy was in tatters and many of the towns abandoned. After several centuries of Germanic immigration, new identities and cultures began to emerge, developing into predatory kingdoms that competed for power. A rich artistic culture flourished under the Anglo-Saxons, producing epic poems such as Beowulf and sophisticated metalwork.
The Anglo-Saxons converted to Christianity in the 7th century and a network of monasteries and convents were built across England.
In the 8th and 9th centuries England faced fierce Viking attacks, and the fighting lasted for many decades, establishing Wessex as the most powerful kingdom and promoting the growth of an English identity. Despite repeated crises of succession and a Danish seizure of power at the start of the 11th century, by the 1060s England was a powerful, centralised state with a strong military and successful economy.
In this section we will explore this era across many articles. The Viking ear within the Middle Ages will be covered in a separate category.
The Magna Carta – A Historic Symbol of Liberty
The origin of Magna Carta was as a tool for peace, bridging hostilities between royalists and a populist rebellion. Lord Denning, celebrated English judge called this document: “the greatest constitutional document of all times – the foundation of the freedom of the individual against the arbitrary authority of the despot”. Magna Carta – The Original […]
Battle of Hastings 1066
The Reason and People Behind the Battle In 1051, it is believed that Edward the Confessor, the childless English king, met with his cousin, William, the duke of Normandy, and Harold Godwinson. William claimed that Edward promised to make him his heir and that Harold swore a sacred oath to relinquish the crown to William […]
Medieval Buildings & Architecture
England has a long history visible in its architecture. From magnificent cathedrals to large fortresses, the country has hundreds of amazing medieval buildings that offer a look back in time to what it was like to live and worship in the region from the 11th to 15th century. Romanesque Period of Architecture Medieval architecture in […]
William the Conqueror
William I or William the Conqueror became the first reigning Norman King of England in 1066. He ruled until his death 21 years later. William was a direct descendant of the Viking warrior Rollo. He served as the Duke of Normandy from 1035. By 1060, he began a conquest of England. In the autumn of […]