Exploring:

Historical Events, Trends and Fashions

Medieval Feasting Local, regional, and national events, trends and fashions have all impacted on the landscape seen today in the AONB. The example below focuses on the Norman Conquest, other examples can be explored by following the link at the bottom of the page.

The Norman Conquest AD 1066 -The Norman Conquest largely removed the native ruling class, replacing it with a foreign, French-speaking monarchy, aristocracy, and clerical hierarchy. This had the following impact on the Landscape of the AONB:

  • The establishment of royal hunting areas of Selwood, Grovely and Cranborne Chase which have a lasting legacy over land use in the landscape.
  • A network of motte and bailey castles were established which survive as earthworks in the AONB.
  • The establishment of parish system of churches in the 10th and 11th century which form the basis of parishes in the AONB today associated with historic boundaries.
  • The establishment of the Medieval systems of land division, the systems of Hundreds, which has had a profound impact on the character of the landscape.

Download a short introduction to Major Historical Events, Trends and Fashions which impacted upon the landscape of the AONB (PDF 782 KB).

This document forms part of the wider AONB Historic Environment Action Plans.