How The Normans Invaded Wales | Dan Snow's Norman Walks | Timeline

Dan's second walk explores what the invaders did next, as they aimed to cement their rule across a diverse nation. Despite William the Conqueror being confirmed as King, the Normans had only completed stage one of their colonisation, and few areas were as unstable as the Welsh borders. Challenging topography and a multitude of local chieftains made for an uncivilised region and Dan’s walk around the Monnow river system is dominated by the motte and bailey castles that sprang up throughout the Norman era.

These were the handiwork of ambitious barons who made their mark on the 'march' – a border zone from which the Normans pushed their influence west into Wales and Ireland. Dan's very rural walk is still touched by the agriculture, forests and common ground established by the Normans, and he discovers that one of the present-day landowning families has held its lands for almost a thousand years.

You can find more from us on:

[peglegpeete]

Thank you.
More Sir Tony, Dan Snow, Dan Jones, Nina Ramirez, Bettany Hughes & Lucy Worsley, please.

[gryph]

Just found this documentary now. I love this area and added a tour of the area to my bucket list.

[serveandprotect]

This series is AWESOME. Truly great and - gotta ssay it! - this guy is a great storyteller, too.

[carlderfler]

Lord I cant make up my mind but here on the other side of the pond Dan Snow vs. Dan Jones as presenters of the most interesting English matters and history is very difficult to decide who is a better Narrator/frontman?? Its a tie and we are blessed that B.B.C is smart enough to keep them busy! Also interestenling I'm in Chicago and this massive city is only here because one of the most important architects after Burnham was a man named Skidmore!!! Yes look it up he was hugely important for building Chicago in the very early 1900s the firm he was part of was something, Skidmore, Owens.

[AlannahRyane]

Thank you so much for licensing this series loving it...

[DidierDidier-kcnm]

many thx  !!what beautiful landscape and rich histrory  i must go hiking there  !!

[katarinavidakovic]

Love stuff like this intranstring educational and interesting English history

[kenrumney]

I've always wanted to know the history of the Norman invasion

[Danny_Boel]

how did they build those castles ? how did they transport all that stone, what did they use for mortar?

[allanlewisorr]

Thanks Dan, now I know Sir Godfrey de Scudamore, of Upton Scudamore is my 24th great grandfather. Salut!

[mbgal]

Surprised the Scudmores have held their lands being on the wrong side of all the victors through English history, most weren’t known for being forgiving

[MJUltra]

Taking notes for my Crusader Kings III save

[joannnorman]

Love this trying to find out. About my ancestors

[starriderkittykat]

I wish the Queen and the families of their lands of which these Castle's sit would rebuild and fix all those Castle's.

[gregorybeavins]

I’m of welsh ancestry, maybe I can learn something?

[ohNojames]

Is dude really walking all that distance? Or am I super gullible?

[paulbriamroy]

Thank you. Very well done. I see no predators there. That’s why you don’t have a gun? 😊

[noahtylerpritchett]

My last name is Cambro-Norman/Norman-Welsh

[jfjoubertquebec]

13:48 the c*** word...
However... the "process" was initiated at the time of Edward the Confessor by Normans, still? And the "process" certainly continued on afterwards.

[robwalsh]

"Walls"
-Romans in Scotland
"Forts"
-Normans in Wales
"We can still stab you, you know"
-local Celts