3.3.1 Towns and Trading Patterns

What happened to many towns immediately after the Norman conquest

Many towns were badly damaged by fighting and population loss

How much of York’s population was lost after the conquest

Around half of York’s population was lost

Why were houses destroyed in towns like Lincoln

Houses were demolished to make space for Norman castles

What financial burden did townspeople face under Norman rule

Heavy taxation from the Normans

Despite destruction, how did urban life recover

Towns quickly recovered due to Norman support for trade and wealth

How did William encourage commerce in London

He protected Londoners’ traditional rights

How did castles eventually help towns grow

They provided security and created demand for local goods and services

How many new towns were founded between 1066 and 1100

21 new towns, mostly next to castles

What role did church building play in urban development

The Normans’ church-building projects brought investment to towns

How did trade patterns change after the conquest

Trade shifted from Scandinavia to stronger links with Europe (mainly Normandy and Flanders)

What was England’s most important export after the conquest

Wool, especially to the Flemish textile industry

What types of luxury goods were imported into England

Silks, spices, furs, wine and fine cloth

What new community did the Normans introduce to England

Jewish communities, mainly involved in finance and money changing