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Middle Ages History

Bodiam Castle

Castle Gatehouses

The gatehouse was one of the most fortified areas of a castle. It was also one of the more vulnerable. For this reason, engineers designed them with extra protection to keep invaders from easily breaching the castle walls. Commonly, gatehouses consisted of a wooden gate reinforced with iron, as well… Read More »Castle Gatehouses

Today in Medieval History

Nov. 20 1316 – King John 1, called The Posthumous, died. He was only five years old. His uncle, Phillip V, was accused of causing his death.

Elections in Medieval England

The following article examines the birth of parliament in medieval England. http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/british/middle_ages/birth_of_parliament_01.shtml Topics covered include: Early parliaments Emergence of the commons Kings, lords, and commons Elections and constituencies Complaint and redress Parliament and political opposition

Kingdom of Northumbria

The kingdom of Northumbria originally consisted of the two independent kingdoms of Bernicia and Deira. Bede writes that Ida was the earliest king of Bernicia. In the early seventh century, Ethelfrith expelled the heir to Deira and ruled over both Bernicia and Deira for the first time, forming Northumbria. A… Read More »Kingdom of Northumbria

The Huscarls

The huscarls were the household troops of the English king. The traditional meaning of the term in Old Norse meant simply a household servant. The term later evolved to reference the personal bodyguard of the king. It is believed the huscarls were firmly established in England under the reign of… Read More »The Huscarls