Norman Sites

Location: Falaise, Basse-Normandie
Date Built: 1123

This is where the Anglo-Norman dukes and kings’ story begins, in Falaise, where the first and most famous of them all was born: William of Normandy. The Château Guillaume-le-Conquérant offers an architectural set that still bears the mark of the princes, dukes and kings, from Normandy or England, who all lived there.

Location: Rochester, Kent

The great keep of Rochester Castle towers over the River Medway, dominating the skyline together with its inseparable twin, the magnificent Rochester cathedral. The castle has been involved in several pivotal sieges during the Norman period and its iconic keep is the tallest in England.

Location: Caen, Calvados, France

Built around 1060 by William the Conqueror, the castle of Caen is one of the largest fortified enclosures in Europe.

Location: Colchester, Essex

Here is 2,000 years of history on one site! Colchester Castle was built on the foundations of a Roman temple and is the largest surviving Norman keep. It has served as royal fortress, prison, merchant’s store, gentleman’s library, museum and air raid shelter.

Location: Hastings, East Sussex

Hastings Castle was founded in 1066 and features in the Bayeux Tapestry

Location: Norwich, Norfolk

Norwich Castle was the principal Norman stronghold in East Anglia. The magnificent stone keep was built as a royal palace 900 years ago, dominating the city skyline. As a county museum today, the castle continues to be an important and symbolic building.

Location: Calvados, France

‘The Epic Adventure’ is a fascinating trail across the many sites that are steeped in the history of William the Conqueror. 17 locations throughout Calvados including 5 major sites in 3 key towns: Falaise, Bayeux and Caen.

There are many other important Norman buildings to throughout Europe.