1066 - 1485

The Norman Invasion

In 1066 William the Conqueror invaded England and defeated the Saxon king Harold at the battle of Hastings. He then led his army towards London but failed to take the city, so instead he marched through the surrounding countryside causing great damage to the property of landholders who were not loyal to him. Once the crown was safely in his power, William started to make sure of his position, replacing Saxon lords with Norman barons who owed him loyalty.

The Growth of Castles

William encouraged his barons to build castles in order to protect his new kingdom and to show how powerful he was. These ranged in size according to the importance of the owner, from the relatively small motte and bailey castles such as those at Abinger and Walton on the Hill, to the impressive castle and royal palace at Guildford.

The Growth of Churches and Monasteries

Religion formed an important part of medieval life. From the 11th century, local lords began to build small churches or chapels near or attached to their manor houses, and many, such as those in Wisley and Titsey, soon became the churches for the parishes. As well as churches, the medieval period also saw the growth of religious houses across Surrey, such as the Cistercian monastery at Waverley, and the Friary in Guildford, now the site of the Friary shopping centre.

The Development of Towns

Many of Surrey’s principal towns such as Godalming, Reigate, Farnham and Guildford were developed during the 12th and 13th centuries, as people started to live close to important castles and monasteries which became centres for trade and markets. Farming was also very important within these new villages and towns, and small industries were also beginning to develop. In Chiddingfold, the glassmaking industry had become so successful that in 1240 they were asked to make the coloured glass for the windows of the new Westminster Abbey.

The Impact of the Black Death (1348)

The spread of the plague shattered many communities across Surrey, forcing changes to the farming system as the landowners often didn't have enough people to farm their lands. It is thought that many country people heard that towns were in need of people to take over the work of those who had died of the Black Death. Survivors of the Black Death began to leave the countryside where they were usually tied to the service of the local lord and live in towns where they could work for themselves and be independent.

The Peasant’s Revolt (1381)

Landowners' profits and comfortable life began to suffer as 'villeins' (people who 'belonged' to the lord or landowner and were not free) left for a free life in the towns. Life for villeins who remained became very difficult as landlords tried to prevent them leaving the land. The King needed money for wars and introduced new 'poll' taxes which meant that everyone over the age of 14 had to pay the same, which also meant that the poor suffered more than the rich. There was a rebellion which began in Essex and spread to other counties. An army of poor led by Wat Tyler marched into London and demanded that the King lower the taxes. There was violence and meetings, but eventually the peasant army was surrounded and Wat Tyler killed. The taxes were abandoned!

Medieval Surrey

Castles

• Farnham Castle - (Norman origin) belonged to Henry de Blois, Bishop of Winchester
• Reigate Castle - created in 1088 by William De Warenne (Earl of Surrey). Fortified by the Earl of Arundel in 14th century but largely decayed by 1622
• Bletchingley Castle - built and owned by the de Clares
• Starborough Castle, Lingfield, 1341
• Guildford Castle - Royal castle built by William I
• Abinger and Walton on the Hill - remains of Norman earthwork castles
• Ockley, Chessington and Cranleigh - remains found of early Norman castles
• Betchworth Castle - remains of Norman castle
• Esher Place - the brick gatehouse was built around 1480 for Bishop Waynefleet of Winchester. Altered by William Kent in c.1730

Houses

• South Park Farm, Grayswood, Witley - best preserved moated site in the county. The site is owned and maintained by Surrey Archaeological Society, and more visiting details can be found here .
  
• Albury Farm, Merstham - medieval moated site
• Brooklands Farmhouse, Weybridge
• Hextalls Manor, Little Pickle, Bletchingley
• Guildford Undercroft - (now the Tourist Office in the High Street) part of an original 13th century shop
• Pachenesham Manor, Leatherhead - moated site, excavated in 1948. Records of the manor survive from c.1300
  
• Lagham (Godstone) Manor - late 13th century moated site, seat of Roger de St John
• Burstow Lodge - moated site
• Cogman’s Farm - moated site, between Outwood and Horne
  
• Crowhurst Place - moated site

Monasteries and Churches

• Chertsey Abbey - 10th century Benedictine house, extensively re-built in 1110
• Reigate Priory
• Wanborough tithe barn - built by the monks at Waverley Abbey
  



• St Catherine’s Chapel, Guildford
• Ewell Church tower - remains of the 15th century church
• Ashtead Church - possible medieval earthworks
• St Mary’s Parish Church, Fetcham - 11th century church with alterations dating to 12th-13th century
• West Humble Chapel - ruins of medieval chapel
• Winchester Palace, Southwark, not in modern Surrey) - site of the town house of the Bishop of Winchester. Initially built in the 1140s, parts of the 13th century great hall and 14th century additions can still be seen
• Chaldon Church - late 12th century wall paintings showing the salvation/damnation of souls. Hidden with whitewash by the Puritans, the walls are now uncovered again

Other Medieval Sites

• Eashing Bridge - medieval bridge across the river Wey
• Banstead Heath earthworks - possible medieval stock enclosures
• Henley Wood earthworks, Chelsham - medieval enclosures
• Holt Wood earthworks, Chelsham - medieval enclosures
• Elstead Bridge - medieval bridge across the river Wey
• Tilford Bridge north end of Green - medieval bridge across the river Wey
  
• Quarry Field building stone quarry, Merstham - the tunnels appear to be medieval in origin, but were re-opened by 1807 and extended.
• Limpsfield Pottery Kilns - remains of medieval pottery kilns were found during the building of the M25 motorway

NB. Many of these sites are on private land and not open to the public or for school visits

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