Norman Timeline
After the Norman Conquest in 1066, Shrewsbury was granted to Roger de Montgomerie, the first Earl of Shrewsbury. The constant need to defend the fortification against the Welsh prompted de Montgomerie to significantly extend Shrewsbury Castle, now a base for operations into Wales and an administrative centre.
1069
1069
Part of the wooden fort of Shrewsbury is burned during a Saxon seige by Wild Edric Sylvaticus, this was during a rebellion against the Norman William the Conqueror
1074
1074
William the Conqueror took back Shrewsbury, giving control of the area to his cousin's son, Roger de Montgomery. Roger de Montgomery started building Shrewsbury Castle to replace the burnt wooden fort
1083
1083
Shrewsbury Abbey is founded by Roger de Montgomery, replacing a small wooden chapel known as St. Peters. Fulchred of Séez was the first abbot. Although Roger de Montgomery was liked by many, some locals rejected the changes that he was making to the town as houses had to be demolished to make way for the new developments
1085
1085
The Domesday Survey showed that there were 252 houses in Shrewsbury and a population of 1,200. The survey reported many complaints in regards to the tax paid by those living in Shrewsbury
1094
1094
After the death of Roger de Montgomery, his son Robert de Belesme took power over Shrewsbury. He was greatly disliked and tried to start a rebellion against King Henry I. When King Henry marches to meet him, Robert immediately surrendered at the Castle Gates. Shrewsbury then became a Royal Fortress
1100
1100
Shrewsbury is the 4th largest town in England
1126
1126
King Henry I presented Shrewsbury to his wife Adeliza of Louvain. King Henry I stayed in Shrewsbury regularly with his daughter Matilda, who later became Empress of the Holy Roman Empire
1137
1137
Abbot Herbert of Shrewsbury Abbey negotiated with the Welsh for the purchase of the remains of St. Winefride from Holywell in North Wales. She had resisted the advances of a pagan Prince, resulting in her being beheaded. She was named St Wenefreda - shining with unnumbered virtues. The Cult of St Wenefreda later sprung up and Shrewsbury became a popular pilgrimage location
1138
1138
King Stephen, grandson of King Henry I was crowned king instead of his daughter Matilda, against the King's wishes he besieged Shrewsbury Castle to take control of the town from Matilda
1155
1155
A leper hospital is founded in association with Shrewsbury Abbey, and is dedicated to St Giles
1158
1158
Matilda's son, King Henry II visited Shrewsbury and instructed that the Castle be rebuilt with stone
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