The Medieval era is usually interpreted by historians as the period between 1066 (the Norman Conquest) and 1485 (the accession of the Tudors). In fact, the decade 1530-40, which includes the dissolution of the monasteries, was much more significant, and marks a more realistic end to the Middle Ages. Some archaeologists now use the term 'medieval' for the whole period, comprising about 1000 years, from the end of the Roman occupation to the time of the Tudors. It can then be divided into the early period up to the Normans, and the 'high medieval' after that.

The Normans were the successful invaders who conquered England in 1066, and then Wales and Ireland. They came from Normandy in northern France, and were the descendants of the Northmen – that is, Norsemen, or Vikings – who had been granted the right to settle there in 911. In England, the Norman kings – including William I (the Conqueror), William II Rufus, Henry I and Stephen – are well known for introducing castle-building to the country (although there had been a few earlier), and for the elaborate Romanesque style of architecture in the many cathedrals, abbeys and churches they built.

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Tudor England