Why Was Old Sarum Abandoned In the 13th Century?

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Camilla Sampson

Old Sarum

Part 2

Why Was Old Sarum Abandoned In the 13th Century?

Old Sarum was abandoned in the 13th century for the following reasons: defence was no longer need, as there was no threat of a Saxon rebellion; therefore defence was no longer important. The site was uncomfortable, it was small and you had to travel to the centre of Old Sarum to get to the well; this was where the palace was, so you could not get water frequently.  The feudal society was beginning to be replaced by towns. The Clergy wanted independence and it could have also been because of social trends. The Bishop of Old Sarum had a vision from god telling him that the cathedral should be moved.  Old Sarum was a major Norman settlement. William the Conqueror visited the site regularly. The site was established by c.1086. Defences were re-dug. Defences were added to the Norman style, motte and bailey, outer bailey and inner bailey.  The perimeter wall was added. The clergy abandoned the site 1220 and the soldiers stayed for another 100 years.

        One issue for the abandonment of Old Sarum in the 13th century was because defence was no longer a major issue, England was safe and there was no threat of a Saxon rebellion or risk of a foreign invasion. This was all to do with timing. The geography and comfort of Old Sarum was chosen principally for defensive purposes but in was an inhospitable place to live because travelling was difficult. The water supply, supplied from a well, in the castle which consequently meant it was hard to get water. Furthermore there was strong winds and rain that made it quite cold in winter.

        Another issue rose for the abandonment of Old Sarum was because it was a pawn in medieval politics. This was because of the consequences of the civil war in 1139.  The civil war started because Henry 1 had no heir despite having over 20 illegitimate children, he named his daughter Matilda to be his successor. Stephan who heard of his uncle’s death, rode to Winchester, the barons supported him as they thought a woman was unable to rule. He took the throne. The Archbishop of Canterbury was persuaded to crown Stephen. It was argued that the oath of allegiance sworn to support Matilda was invalid as it had been exacted by force. A fictitious story was also put about that King Henry had changed his mind about the succession on his deathbed. Stephen's wife, Matilda, was crowned Queen Consort at Westminster Abbey.

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The civil war began when Matilda and her forces landed as Arundel. Stephan new of her arrival but didn’t imprison him, she meet her half brother, Robert of Gloucester, in Bristol. A force of Matilda's supporters, led by Robert of Gloucester and Ranulf, Earl of Chester, defeated and captured Stephen while he was laying siege to Lincoln castle. Stephen was imprisoned in the city of Bristol. She took the title, Lady of the English. There ...

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