Explain what was important about the growth of towns in Norman England.

Introduction
Before 1066, Anglo-Saxon England was largely rural, with 'burhs' serving as administrative centers rather than bustling hubs of commerce. The Norman Conquest brought a significant shift in this landscape. The growth of towns under Norman rule signifies a crucial shift in England's socio-economic landscape, reflecting not just economic expansion but also social transformation and the assertion of Norman authority.

I. Economic Significance: Drivers of Urban Growth
1. Norman Emphasis on Trade and Commerce:
The Normans, unlike their Anglo-Saxon predecessors, were deeply involved in continental European trade networks and recognized the economic potential of a thriving urban sector. They actively encouraged trade through policies that fostered commercial activity.
Furthermore, Norman connections to continental Europe opened up new trade routes and markets for English goods, most notably the burgeoning wool trade with Flanders. This influx of wealth fueled urban development.
2. The Growth of Market Towns:
The Normans granted charters to establish market towns, granting them special privileges to hold regular markets. These markets became centers of economic activity, attracting merchants, artisans, and consumers from surrounding rural areas.
For instance, towns like Lincoln, strategically located on the River Witham, and Norwich, known for its wool production, flourished as market towns under Norman patronage.

II. Social Transformation: A Changing Social Fabric
1. Rise of a New Merchant Class:
As towns grew, so did a wealthy merchant class. These merchants, often dealing in goods from across the continent, accumulated wealth and influence, challenging the traditional feudal order dominated by landowners.
This new class formed a complex relationship with the Norman rulers. While they represented a source of tax revenue and loans, their growing power sometimes brought them into conflict with the crown.
2. Urban vs. Rural Life:
Towns provided new opportunities for social mobility. Peasants could escape the rigid structure of feudal life and seek their fortunes in urban centers, leading to a gradual shift in demographics.
However, this migration also brought challenges. Overcrowding, sanitation issues, and poverty became pressing concerns in burgeoning urban environments.

III. Assertion of Norman Power: Towns as Centers of Control
1. Castle Building:
The Normans strategically built castles within or near towns, serving not only as defensive structures but also as visible symbols of their dominion over the newly conquered land.
These castles often became focal points of urban development, as markets and other economic activities sprung up around them, further strengthening Norman control.
2. The Role of the Church:
The Church played a significant role in the development of towns. The construction of magnificent cathedrals, such as Durham Cathedral, not only served religious purposes but also required skilled laborers and artisans, attracting craftsmen to urban centers.
Moreover, monasteries often served as centers of learning, further contributing to the growth of towns as places of intellectual and spiritual significance.

Conclusion
The growth of towns in Norman England was far more than an economic phenomenon. It represented a profound shift in England's social and political landscape. This urban development, spurred by Norman policies and ambitions, laid the foundation for a more commercially driven, centralized England, setting the stage for the country’s development in the centuries to come.