[Ravensfort] Good period sources for wannabe Normans

[Brian du Val]

Xanthe did ask :
    Can anyone suggest sources for Norman culture and social customs? Brion, is there any chance you'd be able to help? I know your persona is a Templar but I remember you also saying you were a Norman. The time period is  around a few years after the conquest of England - around William the Conqueror's death. I've got a friend who is trying to develop her persona and needs some goood sources. To quote "most of the books I've got only talk about how warlike the Normans were and how they kicked butt in battle and then don't go beyond that." Any suggestions anyone?


    Well let me tell ya about the days of the Great Norman Occupation of Northern Eroupe. As most may know the Normans came from France, Normandy to be exact, but before they were Normans they were Northmans or Norsemans. Yea their ancestors were vikings who settled in Northern France. Some of the early clothing styles were like the vikings and even the ships that WIlliam the Conquerer used were long ships with one sail. 
    Now not too long after the establishment of Norman Rule in Briton or England today the Saxons started wearing the same style of clothes as the Normans and by the time of William's death it was "In" to be Norman. To be born of a norman noble man was benificial and to be wed to a Norman Noble was even better. Often Saxon Ladies of noble birth were wed to Norman lords to increase land holdings and encourage growth of the fudel system that was taking root at the time. Every good Norman Lord had land that was tended by his Saxon peasants.  The clothing and archetecture of the time really shows the norman influance and style. Soon came the reign of the Plantagenate era, again French and Norman influance in Northern Eroupe.

 
                                                    I have a few books that show some of the fashions. give her my e-mail addy and I will be glad to share them on line.


                                                                                Brian  :o)
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