1066 -Start of Medieval England

Many historians view 1066 as the start of Medieval England..At the start of 1066, England was ruled by  Edward the Confessor. By the end of the year, a Norman - William the Conqueror - was king after defeating Edward's successor, Harold, at the Battle of Hastings.

 

 

By day 5 (2/10/1066)





Pewter Hand Painted Foot Soldier click for more info.

 

More than half the population of Pevensey were killed or fled. Elfalm, the Saxon lord of the village of Catsfield, was lucky to escape with his life when marauding Normans devastated his manor house.

 

The first to suffer were the people of Pevensey which, until five days ago, was a peaceful fishing port and market town.

 



30-09-1066 3rd. Day of the Invation of Britain.

Foraging is recognised as normal practice in warfare. English troops, as well as Norman, take food from farmers to feed themselves. However, it has been pointed out that, when William of Normandy banned foraging there to keep the support of local people. when he mustered his troops on the other side of the Channel, however in England, he does not seem to mind alienating the people he claims as his new subjects.

“Atrocities have been report across a large swathe of East Sussex - though the Normans claim they are merely foraging. Many of the Norman soldiers had brought inadequate rations with them from Normandy”..

 

“Numerous incidents of looting, rape and murder are being reported. Anything the pillagers cannot carry, they vandalise. Houses are burned down. Livestock are slaughtered and grainstores destroyed. Many Saxons have fled. Those who remain behind face starvation in the coming winter. Resistance is futile and the people of East Sussex face the stark choice between the precarious life of a refugee and death. Many villages will take generations to recover. But the harrying of the people of East Sussex is more than just the thoughtless action of marauding soldiers. It is a deliberate policy, sanctioned by William himself. King Harold is also Earl of Wessex and Sussex has been part of Wessex since 825. By attacking his people, William is goading Harold in action”.

 

Footnote. Remember this is 1066 but could be so easily mistaken for 30-09-2013 in one of the emerging countries.

28 September 1066 -- Norman Conquest Starts

All summer, the English have feared an invasion, particularly in the Hastings/Pevensey area. But by 8 September it was thought that the beginning of the Autumn gales ruled out any seaborne attack. The English fleet was dispersed and the army disbanded.

The Norman force is supported by ships and men from Brittany, Flanders, Maine, Bologne and other parts of France. It formed up at Dives-sur-Mer, not far from Caen, in August, but had to wait several weeks for a favourable wind. On 12 September, the wind turned more westerly and the fleet set sail as far as St-Valéry-sur-Somme. It was only on the 27th that the wind turned south and the fleet could set sail across the Channel.

A massive invasion force under William, Duke of Normandy, landed at Pevensey,(28/09/1066)  unopposed. Although an invasion has been feared for some time, the townspeople were unprepared when, shortly after dawn, some 700 ships hove into view. William's ship, the Mora, entered the tiny harbour, but the Norman armada was so large that most of the ships beached in the lagoon or to the east of the town.

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Few expected such a seasoned campaigner as William of Normandy to risk a Channel crossing so late in the season. One squall, one encounter with English ships, and his force would have been dispersed. As it was, he lost only two ships. One, possibly both of them, made it to England but landed at Romney, far from the beachhead at Pevensey and were quickly despatched by locals.

Would Henry Tudor Turn In His Grave?

 Ludlow Castle's site goes back to post the Norman invasion in 1066 and was remodelled from a Norman Frontier Fortress extended over the centuries to become a fortified Royal Palace with responsibility for the Government of Wales and the border counties.

Henry Tudor (Henry VII) lived there for a while with his Uncle Jasper Tudor, as have other monarchs. Elder son of Henry Tudor, brother of Henry V111, Prince Arthur died at Ludlow Castle on April 2nd, 1502..
 

Abandoned in 1689 the castle quickly fell into ruin.

 

 

 

Today the Castle houses Ludlow's major festivals throughout the year and is open for all to enjoy. The funds raised have stopped the further decline of the surviving structures and is slowly being repaired.

 

This week has seen the “Ludlow Food Festival” open to all local farmers and related industries. Come rain or shine it's not to be missed.

 

Unfortunately we were too busy enjoying it to take decent snaps but here is a flavour.

 Most rooms of the castle had gazebos with an event, an activity or product on display

 

In fact, even the moat had a tea room and activity going on in it. There really was no space left for more stalls.

 

 

There were Talks and Demos through out the three days and a chance to meet some of the UK's best chefs 

 

 

 

 Large marquees in the grounds with hundreds of stalls catering for every taste - all well priced, all with food sampling.

 

Its been the first such festival that I have actually said "No thanks, I have no more room."

 

 

 

 

Well worth a visit and if staying in the area  Stokesay Castle a fortified medieval manor house is just down the road "a country mile" or two away.

13.How will histoy view this repost?

At the G20 summit in St Petersburg, 2013 things got a little less than diplomatic.

David Cameron has issued an impassioned paean to Britain's achievements after a Russian official reportedly dismissed it as a "small island" whose views could be ignored.


In a lavishly patriotic riposte at the end of the G20 summit in St Petersburg, the Prime Minister said the UK had not only helped abolish slavery and settle the Second World War, but "invented most of the things worth inventing".

He signed off by adding: "I'm thinking of setting this to music."
The comments, initially delivered verbally to reporters before being posted online, were immediately compared to a scene from hit film Love Actually, in which Hugh Grant's prime minister interrupts the US president to say: "We may be a small country but we're a great one, too."

Downing Street demanded "clarification" from the Kremlin after a spokesman was reported to have dismissed the UK as "just a small island, no-one pays any attention to them".
Mr Cameron noted that Mr Putin's chief spokesman Dmitry Peskov had denied making the remark. But he went on: "Britain may be a small island, but I would challenge anyone to find a country with a prouder history, a bigger heart or greater resilience.

"Britain is an island that has helped to clear the European continent of fascism - and was resolute in doing that throughout World War Two. Britain is an island that helped to abolish slavery, that has invented most of the things worth inventing, including every sport currently played around the world, that still today is responsible for art, literature and music that delights the entire world.

"We are very proud of everything we do as a small island - a small island that has the sixth-largest economy, the fourth best-funded military, some of the most effective diplomats, the proudest history, one of the best records for art and literature and contribution to philosophy and world civilisation.

"For the people who live in Northern Ireland, I should say we are not just an island, we are a collection of islands. I don't want anyone in Shetland or Orkney to feel left out by this. I'm thinking of setting this to music..."

12. Men at Arms

The term man-at-arms primarily denoted a military function, rather than a social rank. The military function that a man-at-arms performed was serving as a fully armoured heavy cavalryman; though he could, and in English armies often did, also fight on foot. The man-at-arms could be a wealthy mercenary of any social origins, but more often had some level of social rank based on income, usually from land.
The terms knight and man-at-arms are often used interchangeably, but while all knights certainly were men-at-arms, not all men-at-arms were knights.

Ancestors Range
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Pewter Medieval Knight (on Horseback 13C) Suit of Armour # 7658

Pewter Medieval C15th. Knight with Pennant 4.25ins. Ancestors # 7706
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Pewter Medieval C16th. Mounted Knight 4.25ins Ancestors # 7689
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11. The White Queen

Of late the BBC has churned out some fascinating historically based programs.

The White Queen has been one such series not to be missed.  I must admit I watch the actual program when in the bath, the joy of having an iPad, provided one does not drop in. I have often had to find time to look up some of the protagonists or events in WikapediA and enjoyed the quest to delve deeper. What I can't believe is the distances covered and speed of troop movements.



English Medieval Ship ''Thomas''
Click on the Image for more detail

 

For the enthusiastic modeller we can offer this model as seen on a number of occasions during the series. The Mayflower would also be a slightly later example of vessels used.

10. Is History being repeated?

Today’s headlines makes one wonder if we are reliving history. ” Police are examining new information which alleges that Princess Diana and Dodi Fayed were murdered by a member of the British military.”

Travel back to our civil war “The war of the Roses” and we see this sort of thing happening with impunity as the main protagonists work their way to the throne and off again usually by being killed by a would be successor.

Edward IV was the first king to marry for love and to marry a commoner, Elizabeth Woodville, in a secret marriage much against his cousin’s wishes Lord Warwick - known as the “King Maker”

This was a particularly bloody period in British History with Royals and nobles losing their head over personal ambition or being on the wrong side at the wrong time.

 

One of many Pewter Knights in stock

Click on the image to see more

 

Suits of armour were part of every nobleman’s attire. as can be seen in these figurines.

 

       

 

9. One’s Own History Can Surprise One.

Even your own history can turnaround and surprise you when you least expect it. We were off it investigate the history of Henry VII at Ludlow Castle when we saw signs for the 125^th. Shrewsbury Flower Festival and took a detour.

 Weather was warm and cloudy, just right for strolling around the hundreds of exhibiters. I will not spend time telling what a great show it turned out to be as you can follow it on this link by clicking on the Photo One tiny segment of the show with ample seating to rest and listen



The photos are of one tiny segment of the show

A tiny part of a Massive Show click to see official site

One of the many food spots. Thousands of people and never crowded.

 

https://en-gb.facebook.com/ShrewsburyFlowerShow 

 

For us a memorable a show and something totally unexpected. We entered the grounds and getting our bearings when a six foot++ character barred our way and said “I bet you don’t remember me!” Believe me, one’s past flashes through one’s mind. “Who did I cut-up on the way in? Now, what have I said? – A life time tendency to say inappropriate things at times. All checked, all OK.

“I’ll give you ten questions”. Totally, totally no idea, Who? How? When?. Then slowly from the murky, dim and happy distant past the mist clears. Rob! Rob M------k, a customer of ours from 20+ years ago. Then a youngster with a flair, a passion and a mission. A sort of Welsh accented Alan Sugar. What surprised us was he recognized a geriatric within seconds of us entering the grounds.

 

His story always was an interesting one but since we last met, besides getting married and having children, He and his Brother-in-Law when in Poland bought two WWII Army catering kitchens. Adapted them and can cater for hundreds of people or 250 at a sitting.

 

We have been to many outdoor themed events such as concerts, festivals, county shows etc etc. but very rarely find vegetarians catered for, other than chips. The Rustic Cooks served a polish goulash that was real value for money and added to the atmosphere created by the country folk group, Bellowhead.
 

Tens of thousands at the show but it never felt crowded as it was a large Show Ground.
Spectacular fireworks display to end the evening.  

Field Kitchen, Plastic Kit

 

8."Washed up" Skeleton in Tunnelling Project

Archaeologists working on London's tunnelling transport project have unearthed some very rich pickings, from a golden discovery to an apparent tool-making factory dating back to 7,000 BC.

The ancient tool kit includes 150 pieces of flint, among them blades, and forms rare evidence that humans lived on the Thames some 9,000 year ago.

 

 

 

 

The diggers also uncovered a fair few treasures from the Roman era, including an "exceptionally well made" road, a horse shoe and a "washed up" skeleton

Roman Chariot (Large) Resin Bronze Figurine,

 

 

 Each piece is uniquely hand made and dated.Medium sized figurine ( 64 x 28 x 42cm.) Boxed and carefully protected in polystyrene inner packaging. Each piece is inspected before shipping in customised boxing for extra protection

 

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Roman Chariot, Studio Collection, Large Resin Bronze, Myths and Legends

 

 

 

7. Humans are capable of working magic

 …and they did from the moment we learnt to walk up-right. We soon learned how to make shelters from mud, sticks and place one stone on top of another, and how to defend our territories.  The rest is history   There was one invention that probably the most significant and least appreciated.

"It's a flat object made from a tree with flexible parts on which are imprinted lots of funny dark squiggles. But one glance at it and you're inside the mind of another person, maybe somebody dead for thousands of years. Across the millennia, an author is speaking clearly and silently inside your head, directly to you. Writing is perhaps the greatest of human inventions, binding together people who never knew each other, citizens of distant epochs. Books break the shackles of time. A book is proof that humans are capable of working magic." quote “Carl Sagan”

http://youtu.be/LkQEnRDhPUU



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HMS Surprise British Frigate 1796 1:48 Scale Complete Wooden kit




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We can see example every day, none more so when you follow the plans used for these models often achieving stunning results, a replica of the real thing in miniature.

6. The Eight Main Modelling Eras

For the purposes of model making British history can be categorised into a number of periods :-

• Pre-History           
• Ancient                   55BC – 1100 
• Medieval                 1100 - 1520+
• Napoleonic              1700 – 1815+
• World War I            1914 – 1918+
• World War II           1939 – 1945+
• Modern                   1945 – 20--



Click on the Image to some of the Ranges.


Ancient                   55BC – 1100 

Pre-History  

 Within each era there are a number of precise periods, for example our Ancient period


Medieval                 1100 - 1520+

Napoleonic              1700 – 1815+

would include, The Romans, The Anglo-Saxons, The Vikings, and The Normans etc. etc.


World War I            1914 – 1918+

World War II            1939      – 1945+



Modern                   1945 – 20--

"As you like it"

Each Period brought its own cultural and civilising influence. For instance The Industrial Revolution occurred during the Napoleonic period as raw materials were converted into products needed for the war effort. It was at about this time that we and the economy changes from an agrarian based civilisation to an industrial base, with mass migration from the land to the cities.

 

The next big jump was the onslaught of the First World War, and then WWII. As education and wealth spread to the masses, communications improves and a determination that "the few" will not control our destiny. We have had a steadier development of products spread over a longer period. One could say the next leap will be the leap into space. But until then we will improve longevity of life and the corporation of nations.

 

On reflection it seems that strife concentrates the mind and pushes progress.

5. Bringing History to life takes many forms

Bringing History to life takes many forms; from Table Top Battles to re-enactment and within each there are many categories.

Examples can be seen all over the country in many countries every week end.

 

One of the more spectacular this weekend has to be at The EAA AirVenture show at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh, Wisconsin featured a number of spectacular events.

 

 

Second World War plane in re-enactment of Pearl Harbour attack

 

 

 

P-40 Kittyhawk 1/72 Scale, Airfix ,#50078

 

 

The Second World War has a large number re-enactment groups in this country and a much larger group of enthusiastic Modellers. The range of American Aircraft in 1:72 scale being a category that is well catered for.

Click Here to see some of the range available.

and

Here for a choice of other Nationalities' Aircraft

4.Wroxeter Roman City, Shropshire

By sheer coincidence, whilst we were visiting these Roman ruins our youngsters happened to be visiting similar ruins in Pompeii in the Bay of Naples in southern Italy which was buried by a catastrophic eruption of Mount Vesuvius. The surprise was so many of the architectural features found in Pompeii can be found at this site in Shropshire.

When you wander around listening to the commentary you realize how far more advanced the Roman architects really were and when considering they did not have the materials and tools we have at our disposal they achieved and understood a lot more than we credit them for.

 Remember the Coliseum in Rome dates back to this time

Everything seems to have evolved around the “Bath House” It was the focal point of any small town with Gyms and recreational facilities usually in the same building. All kept comfortably warm with under floor centrally heated by complicated system of air ducts.

The stone floors were build tiles through which hot air passed. The floors could be decorated with mosaics  

Wroxeter also had a Shopping Mall (55 B.C.) the only difference was one did not enter the shop but bought from the counter that looked out into the thoroughfare. The roads were paved with tracks to guide carts between the stepping stones that enabled the pedestrians to cross without getting their feet wet

 

Wroxeter may well have been a civilized town; a trading post with aqueducts, and all the trappings but it must be remembered it was a garrison post with fortifications that marked a westerly boundary of the Roman empire.

 

 

The legion was the basic unit of the Roman army. Each maniple was commanded by a centurion, who could be recognized by his leg guards, the vine-stick and the helmet with a transverse crest. The Legion's equipment after the Marian reform was standardized and issued by the State. Legionnaires of this period wore a lorica hamata, reinforced on the shoulders, and were equipped with semi-rectangular shields. Two throwing pila, the gladius and the pugio (a short dagger) completed their equipment.

 

 

Without stirrups, it has been argued, the horseman could not have had the control necessary to be effective in battle.  There is much debate over how big a part cavalry played in Roman armies of this period. The now famous Roman four-pommel saddle resolves that problem

 

 

Click to see a range of Roman related models