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A Record of the BAGE Family History Bage Castle The year 1066 is shown to be one of the most tumultuous, and exciting, years in English history. The country had three Kings, had destroyed one invasion force, the Vikings, but fell to another. To defend his new land William gave permission for many Castles to be built along the south coast. These were built, primarily, to repel invaders but were also useful as a show of power that kept the Saxon peasant tied to the land. So harsh was the Norman rule that it is estimated that about 20% of the English population was killed, murdered or starved to death in the first five years of the Conquest. The Normans destroyed houses, food stores, animals and killed anyone who resisted them. Never has there been a more complete subjugation of a nation by a nation.The remains of a Norman castle - Bage Castle, have been found in Hertfordshire, England, but up to now no historical information is available. It is what is termed a 'motte' The Motte and Bailey were the order of the day, and they comprised of a Mound, natural or man made, and a hollow tower (The Keep) made of tall, crude, wooden stakes driven into the ground around the apex of the mound. Although smaller it was similar in design to the American Forts of the Old West. Wooden buildings were erected inside, to protect men and food from the elements. The Motte was protected by a ditch and palisade with walkways for defence and observation. The banked area below and around the Motte, the Bailey, was also enclosed by a timber palisade. These early castles were built of wood because the Normans were in a hurry to secure domination of the English people and because wood was the only material the Saxon workforce were capable of handling with any skill. No link has yet been established with any Bage ancestors who may have had anything to do with this castle. It may just be a co-incidence that a Norman word was used which is similarly spelt to the surname. Source;- Royston Website |
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