Medieval English history Andrew Sanders

 The traditions of England did not change even after th Norman conquest. THe intricacy of the needlework of Anglo Saxon women showed the Norman Conquest of England in the Bayeux tapestry. 

In medieval art, there was a belief that divinity intervenes in all human affairs. 

But, even the Norman Conquest had its effect on the culture of England. The Anglo Saxon England was bilingual. But the Norman conquest made it trilingual. The bilingual England had English as the mode of communication. Latin was the language of the Church only. BUt, Norman became the langauage of the aristocracy after the Norman conquest. Only commoners spoke English. The aristocracy became bilingual only by the 14 th century. 

The social structure of England did not change due to the Norman Conquest. Only the upper class changed from English speaking to French speaking. The English names of places remained. Sometimes they showed some Norman French influence. The new castles adnd abbeys had Normal names. BUt, tehe new Normal aristocracy respected the English traditions. But, the supporters of william who had helped him succeed recived many estagtes. These estates were confiscated from English rebels who revolted against william. 

When English reemerged then it was rich with the Norman influence. It had a simpler spelling, syntax, and grammer. The subjects of literature also changed from Germanic insularity to European mainstream under the French influence. 

Norman yoke and robin hood stories are about how Normal became the language of hte priviledgd and English of the underprivileged. The old english language no longer remained the language of the patrons. A new kind of language which was more European than insular emerged. 

Britain now developed to have a materialistic culture. The Normans believed that they had come for  a civilizing mission. The Norman conquerors did not forget their roots and expanded to Ireland at the same time calling themselves ENglish.

It was portrayed that William was pious and respected the monks. The prelates of the Church also served the state. 

The tomb of St. Thomas Beckett was of a great importance. Even the king who ordered the killing of Beckett performed a penance to seek approval of his subjects. 

Even the French gothic architecture marked the riches of its makers. The French and the English were equally adept in the French gothic style. This style of architecture was closely linked to spiritual enhancement. The monks of the era contributed to the English history by writing these books.