How Did William The Conqueror Get His Patronage

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William the Conqueror and his Patronage William I, better known as William the Conqueror, began his medieval and political career at a young age when his father left him to go on a crusade. Effectively William became the Duke of Normandy. He had to fight against other members of the Norman royalty who desired William's land and treasure. William learned at an early age that the men who ruled Europe during the middle ages were primarily interested in their own greed at the expense of all else, including the concepts chivalry and honor. He soon became a feared military commander, conquering all in Normandy who would oppose his interests. Also an excellent statesman, William planed a visit across the channel to England, so that he might meet …show more content…

Both are located in Caen, Normandy (Northern France). William commissioned these churches after the pope lifted a ban on his proposed marriage to Matlida. The church of La Trinite, (Holy Trinity )was built in honor of William's petite and beautiful bride Matilda and was meant as a place of worship for women. And the church of Saint Etienne, (Saint Stephen) was meant to honor the Norman conqueror of England, William. Likewise devotion in this church was intended for males only. "the famous abbey churches of St. Stephen and Holy Trinite, were to symbolize important new harmonies in the duke's career: a new harmony between church and temporal government..." (Lloyd, Alan. The Making of the King: 1066. New York: Holt, Rinehart and Winston, 1966.page76) The churches are remarkably still in much the original shape now, as they were in the 11th century. The churches are built almost entirely of stone. Built on a symmetrical concept, they both have three portals as an entrance to the nave. Symmetrical towers rise several stories above the left and right portals. It is important for one to recognize that the stone ribbed vaulted ceilings were added on after the …show more content…

The whole structure was built in a hurry, possibly in an effort to solidify the conquest. It is not nearly a remarkable an object as the twin churches in Caen. However, due to its protective design, it is an impregnable fortress, and its history as a prison, the tower has carved its place in history. Work on the stone building and exterior walls was begun in 1077. The main building, included a small cathedral in one corner, and rises three stories. Towers extend from each of the four corners. Exterior walls enclose the premises. The walls were clearly built for defensive purposes with towers on each corner. The tower of London exists, with some later modifications, till this

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