Salisbury and Old Sarum hit the airwaves this week as a hit history podcast interviewed an archaeologist delving into their medieval secrets.
'Gone Medieval' presenter Matt Lewis interviewed archaeologist and TV presenter Dr Alexander Langlands on Old Sarum’s position as a stronghold of Norman England.
History-buffs will recognise Dr Langlands, an associate professor at Swansea University, from his work on shows like ‘Victorian Farm,’ ‘Edwardian Farm’ and ‘Wartime Farm’.
Following 1066 and all that Dr Langlands spoke about how the Normans brought Old Sarum and Salisbury to prominence.
“There’s something already happening there [in the Saxon period] even if it’s elusive to us archaeologically and the historical sources are a little bit vague, but I think you’re absolutely right,” Doctor Langlands said when questioned.
Part of Alex's research has been trying to understand whether the Normans had been pre-emptively planning to use Old Sarum as a seat of power.
He believes they had been due to the post-conquest prominence of Edward of Salisbury, the Saxon-Norman noble who became Sheriff of Wiltshire.
“Its pretty much a wipe-out of the Saxon aristocracy but, of those who do retain their lands, Edward is chief amongst them!”
Alex continued: “It’s speculation, but I think when we come to think about broader the project of conquest, we might want to be thinking about what was planned after.”
“They must have had some kind of plan, strategy, after 1066. It’s not just a case of ‘focus on the next game and see what happens!’”
According to English Heritage, William the Conqueror recognised the potential of Old Sarum, which led to a motte being set-up in the hillfort.
Dr Langlands believes it is likely construction took place in the earlier part of William’s reign, but what is without dispute is Old Sarum’s strategic position in controlling the Southwest.
The archaeologist believes Old Sarum does not get the recognition it deserves: “Yesterday I was going through the copious books that have been written on castles in England and its remarkable how lots of people go, ‘Oh and then there’s a place called Sarum’ and its exceptional.”
Dr Langlands went on to describe how monumental the site was, asserting its importance and significance to ideas of Norman power. “Just the position of that motte is a reflection of the Norman vision of their position in the world.”
Dr Langlands visited Salisbury back in July for the launch of ‘Tales of Two Cities: Settlement and Suburb in Old Sarum and Salisbury,’ co-edited by him and Hadrian Cook.
The book looks at Old Sarum and Salisbury, investigating what was one of the largest settlement shifts in British history with new research.
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