Hedgerley Historical Society
We return after our summer break on Wednesday 20th September when
Dr David Lewis will present a talk on
Medieval Windsor
Although
in
many
respects Windsor in
the Middle Ages was a
typical small town, with
its assortment of craft
and artisan occupations,
and planned layout of
streets lined with equal
sized burgage plots, in
other ways it was extra-
ordinary.
It
expanded
during
the Black Death when
other towns declined, it
hosted an extra-ordinary
assortment of high status
occupation, serving the
needs of those within
the Castle, and it was
consistently a wealthy
place. Windsor was also famous nationally,
attracting immigrants from distant parts of
the country, whereas all other towns, with the
exception of London, drew their population
from a radius of no more than ten miles.
Windsor became a self-governing borough
from 1277, although its roots are of much
greater antiquity, and can be traced to a
riverside site about three miles distant from
the modern town. It’s decline in the early
modern period mirrored the change in
notion of monarchy: the medieval military
castle being an incongruous setting for
enlightenment princes, who aimed to project
an image of learning, refinement and good
taste. Throughout its
history Windsor has
been a castle town, and
so it remains today.
David has lived and
worked in Windsor for
the past 25 years. In
2001, David started a
part-time MA in medieval
history
at
Royal
Holloway, University of
London, specialising in
the history of medieval
London
and
this
sparked an interest
in the early history of
Windsor and Eton. In
2003 David embarked
on a PhD to study
medieval Windsor, the
first such research work ever completed, with
the degree being awarded in 2006.
Post doctoral work followed with the Historic
Towns Trust, studying Windsor and Eton over
a longer time-frame, from c. 800 to 1860 and
the production of an Historic Atlas. This work
is the result of over eight years research.
Since 2006 David has published articles
on various aspects of Windsor’s history,
including the Castle’s 16th C water conduit,
the Medieval hospital of St Peter, the history
of Old Windsor and the relationship between
the medieval college of St George’s and the
town. David is currently writing a history of
medieval Eton and Windsor.
Monthly Meetings of Hedgerley Historical Society take place at Hedgerley Memorial Hall, Kiln
Lane Hedgerley SL2 3UZ at 8pm and visitors are most welcome.
Further details from John Lovelock 01753 647187 [email protected]
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