The Problem Facing William

Although William became king in 1066, England was not fully under his control.

Many English nobles resisted Norman rule.

Rebellions broke out in:

• The north of England
• Exeter
• East Anglia
• Northumbria

William needed to control these dangerous areas.

Castles as a Solution

Castles allowed the Normans to:

• Control towns and roads
• Protect Norman soldiers
• Crush rebellions quickly
• Defend important areas
• Intimidate local people

Castles became symbols of Norman power.

To many English people, castles were frightening reminders that the Normans had taken control.