Date of Award
Spring 4-28-2026
Document Type
Honors Project
Degree Name
Bachelor of Arts
Department
History and American Studies
Department Chair or Program Director
Ferrell, Claudine
First Advisor
Harris, Steven
Major or Concentration
History
Abstract
Following the Norman Conquest in 1066, a castle-building project of unprecedented scale transformed the landscape of England. This paper investigates how these structures supported the establishment of Norman rule over England, and how their role changed over time. Through examining case studies, the paper concludes that in the early years following the Conquest castles were primarily used in military operations, but in the following decades became essential administrative sites and seats of local government, as well as symbols of Norman power. The paper also concludes that castles on the border with Wales have a more complicated history, fluctuating in function as the dynamics of the region shifted sporadically.
Recommended Citation
Perdue, Leah A., "Regional and Temporal Variation in the Function of the Castles of the Norman Conquest" (2026). Departmental Honors & Graduate Capstone Projects. 696.
https://scholar.umw.edu/student_research/696
Rights
Included in
Ancient, Medieval, Renaissance and Baroque Art and Architecture Commons, Medieval History Commons