INTRODUCTION:

The name Norman is derived from a region in northern France. Norman architecture refers to the constructions made by the Normans. These are not only seen in northern France and England, but are also seen in southern Italy and Sicily. The style of architecture used in Norman buildings is called the Romanesque style. The period of Norman architecture spanned from 1066 to 1204. In the year 1066, the Saxon-Danish rulers of England were overthrown by the Normans.

NORMAN ARCHITECTURE:

The Normans developed the wooden Motte and Bailey castles in Normandy. This was the first event in the evolution of Norman architecture. Later, after the invasion of England, the castle’s keep was used by the Normans. This castle keeps the upper part of the wooden Motte replaced. Later, the Normans used the stone to build their castles. This made the advent of Norman-Romanesque architecture. The Normans developed new techniques in the construction of castles. They developed the stone vaulted ceiling, the buttress and the arch to support the weight of the stones and bricks used in the construction of the castles.

These castles built under the Norman-Romanesque architecture were very expensive but the castles were durable and long lasting. The castles were built in such a way that they indicated Fear, Bird, Domination, Envy, Submission, Respect, Power and Wealth. The best site for the construction of the castle was near a river or a sea.

The stones used in the construction were very heavy. Roman arches were used to support these heavy stones. The windows were very small in size to prevent the walls from collapsing by giving them strength. Stone roofs were built. These ceilings were supported by vaults. The vaults were of different types such as barrel or tunnel vaults and ribbed vaults. Norman arches were made with simple geometry. The arches had zig zag carvings around them. The doors were present under the tympanum under the arch. These zigzag patterns were also called chevron patterns.

NORMAN CASTLE:

Norman castles were very large and housed many men and horses. The castles also housed cavalry. Castles were used to govern the surrounding districts and also to scare people. Not only castles, but also many churches and cathedrals were built in this Norman architectural pattern. The churches had a cruciform plan. Castles were mostly built on high, raised ground. Norman castles were initially built with wood. Later, after invading England, they were turned to stone. The wooden butt on which the castle was built was not strong enough to support the weight of the solid stone tower. To solve this problem, the Norman keep was developed and the weight of the tower was also reduced.

Some of the castles built under Norman architecture are: Beeston Castle (Cheshire), Corfe Castle (Dorset), Peveril (Derbyshire), the great castle of the de Warenne family (Lewes, Sussex), Baynard Castle (London), the royal castles of Nottingham, Warwick and York, etc.

CONCLUSION:

Norman castles and their architectural designs have had a lasting impact on the British landscape and history. Most of them stand tall and strong even to this date, which is a testament to the quality of construction and architectural skills.