The Normans

The Norman Knight was the most feared warrior during the 11th and 12th centuries in Western Europe. Tales of their conquests spread throughout the known world as their military prowess resulted in the capture Sicily in 1060 and England in 1066. The Normans adopted Carolingian feudalism, cavalry warfare and castles, and they built archetypal feudal states on both sides of the English Channel. Their strongholds included the Tower of London and other fortifications along the coast and borders of England, and many of these structures survive today testimony to the military might of the Norman conqueror. This beautifully illustrated book explores the world of the Normans and the life of a typical Norman knight, and authors Chris Gravett and David Nicolle discuss the spectacular castles that they erected to protect their lands.