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These webpages use pottery sherds (fragments) & objects found at Hemyock Castle, to explore centuries of close links with continental Europe: Links to other webpages in this series.
After the Norman conquest of England in 1066, by Norsemen based in northern France, most of the ruling families were from northern France. They brought ideas, culture, customs, and objects. Many of their musicians & entertainers, probably travelled around and from Europe.
This is the top part of the handle of a 12th or 13th century jug from Rouen, Normandy. Found at Hemyock Castle, the jug would have belonged to the Hidons or Dinhams when they held Hemyock Manor. The Dinham family originated from Dinan, Brittany.
Especially during this period, there would have been close links – and rivalries – between the ruling families on both sides of the English Channel. In 1373, during the Hundred Years War with France, while Sir William Asthorpe of Hemyock Castle was Keeper of the Channel Isles, Bertrand du Guesclin (1320 – 1380) the Constable of France led French forces against him. Bertrand du Guesclin (aka. "The Eagle of Brittany" or "The Black Dog of Brocéliande") was born at Motte-Broons near Dinan, Brittany... ie. near the home of Sir William's wife's family.
Other webpages in this series, exploring centuries of close links with continental Europe:
European Year of Cultural Heritage – UK is the UK's part of The European Year of Cultural Heritage, a new European initiative.
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Hemyock Castle, Hemyock, CULLOMPTON, Devon, EX15 3RJ, UK.
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