A bearded man wearing a metallic Viking-style helmet with chainmail neck coverage and a shield over his shoulder, standing outdoors against a rocky coastal landscape under a cloudy sky.

Norman England: Conquest and Control

In 1066, William of Normandy did not just win a battle. He remade a nation.

This is the story of how conquest becomes control.

Norman England
King Edward I examining a map with other characters in the background.

Medieval English Monarchy and Welsh Princes

Medieval Britain, properly explained. Who held power, who it served, and what the official record leaves out.

English Kings and Welsh Princes

Investigated Histories of Britain

The history you thought you knew

The Histories and Castles digital download guides are fully argued historical investigations. Written to the same standard as published books, with primary sources, a full bibliography, and claims you can check.

Windsor Castle with a clear blue sky

Castles of England and Wales

Explore castles across England and Wales, where each fortress reveals its own story of power, conflict, and history waiting to be discovered.

English and Welsh Castles
Windsor Castle with a clear blue sky

Medieval England

From the Norman Conquest to the Magna Carta
Towns in Norman England

Towns in Norman England

Ninety eight Saxon houses were demolished in Norwich to clear space for a castle, while York, punished with two castles after repeated rebellion, s...
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The Black Death

History, Causes & Impact

The Crusades

History, Causes and Legacy

Medieval English Monarchy

Kings and Queens

Viking History

Norse Art, Myth and Ritual

Wizardry and Witching

History, Trials & Legends

Medieval Law in England & Wales: Statutes, Punishment & Royal Power

Statutes, Punishment & Royal Power

Historical Events

Medieval Historical Events: Key Turning Points

Working with Britain's Heritage Guardians

We are a proud affiliate of Ordnance Survey and English Heritage, bringing authoritative maps and historic insight to every reader

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English Heritage

English Heritage protects and promotes England’s spectacular historic buildings and archaeological sites, ensuring that they are researched, understood and accessible to all. English Heritage have over 400 sites open to the public, including the world-famous Stonehenge, the recently refurbished Kenwood House, Tintagel Castle and Hadrian’s Wall.

Discover the Exclusively Available Collection
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Ordnance Survey

As the national mapping agency of Great Britain Ordnance Survey is renowned for its paper maps as well as the award-winning OS Maps app, loved by walkers, runners, cyclists, horse riders, climbers and everyone that enjoys discovering the Great British outdoors and getting off of the beaten track. On top of that they offer a wide range of guide books, personalised maps, themed maps and more. 

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About the Author

Simon A. Williams

Simon A. Williams is a history communicator and storyteller who makes the past accessible through podcasts, books and digital media. His work blends careful research with compelling narratives that entertain, educate and inspire curiosity, bringing medieval English and Welsh history, castles and the Crusades to life for readers and listeners who want more than a textbook account. Simon is the author of No Law for the Poor, The Pendle Witch Conspiracy and The Truth Behind Welsh Myths and Legends, and serves as Editor-in-Chief at Histories and Castles, where he shapes the site's editorial voice across articles, video and podcast content. Rather than approaching history as a closed academic subject, Simon treats it as a living story worth retelling well, one that rewards curiosity as much as rigour.