Ancaster in the Medieval Period

Little evidence remains of the Ancaster during the period from the early sub-Roman era until after the Civil War in the later half of the 17th century.

The only building still standing that is known to date to the Medieval period is the Church which is thought to be 12th century in age. Of the other notable buildings both Ancaster Hall and Ancaster House date to the late 17th century but both were substantially renovated and altered in the Georgian period of the early 19th century. This is also when many of the other houses lining the village street seem to have been renovated. But whilst some of these may be older, no evidence has yet emerged of any house predating the Civil War.

Nor is there any mention of Ancaster in the Domesday Book although of course it could have existed under another name at that time. In fact the first mention of Ancaster in any document is during the reign of Henry II (1154 - 1189AD) where the village is named as part of a Danelaw Charter. These were documents which described the ownership of small parcels of land and were relatively common in the 12th century.

Then at the end of the 12th century, in 1196AD, Ancaster is again mentioned in a legal document under the name of Anecastre.

Apart from these scant references, there is little or no evidence for Ancaster in any other documents from the Medieval period.