Long after the Normans had conquered the rest of Britain there remained a disputed no-mans-land between the settled English midlands and the wild highlands of Wales.

 

Pillaged by maurauders from the hills, the English side of the border was an affront to the Norman administration. Subjected to punitive raids by the conquerors' cavalry, the Welsh side attracted the most militant elements of the Celtic population to ambush and slaughter the intruding foreigners.

 

In an attempt to subjugate this area-The Welsh Marches- to the rule of law the Normans built a series of castles from which their cavalry could ride out to impose order on the existing chaos.

 

To build the castles and work the land the Normans brought in labourers from both France and England, settling them in camps a little removed from the military areas.

 

In the course of time these labour camps became permenant settlements, often with a Norman built church to impose the conquerors language and liturgy on both immigrant and Celt.

 

Today some of these hamlets remain, now slumbering in the peace of the countryside but still for those with eyes to see, a potent reminder of the most turbulent period in the history of The British Isles.

 

Our Land of The Marcher Lords mural represents one such hamlet as we see them today, 900 years on from their birth in the aftermath of the Norman conquest.

 

There are six sets of buildings in this mural comprising:

• The Norman Church.

• The Smithy.

• The Castle Ruins.

• The Small Shop.

• The Big Shop.

• The Village Pub.

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Easy to fix using Velcro* patches supplied.
Full instructions enclosed.

The full collection of buildings covers an area of wall approximately 90x50cm.

 

*Velcro is a registered trademark of Selectus ltd…