Why were towns important in 11th century England?
Towns were more important in 11th Century England because following the Norman invasion (1066) the new ruling aristocracy could centralise their power base by placing direct control over the centres of trade and communication, and by placing military and religious leaders in each town could monitor and further subdue any Resistance (think robin hood and the sheriff of nottingham!!). larger towns were given grand stone buildings such as castles and churches which further demonstrated the power of the new ruling class to the old saxon peasants and further discouraged discontent whilst encouraging the collection of taxes.
