Scarborough turned into a fully fledged town in the eleven hundreds receiving its first charter from Henry I in 1100. The first part of St Mary's church was built in 1123, and the first part of Scarborough Castle was built around 1136 by William le Gross , (Earl of Albermarle). The castle was seized by Henry II for resisting the crown's power and further improvements were made during "Henry II" reign.

Scarborough was granted a charter Under "Henry II" in 1155, and 1163 and was permitted a market on the sands.

There were disputes with the Scots (King David (Scotland)) invading England and battles fought throughout the Yorkshire area most notably at Brompton and Northallerton (Battle of Standard- 1138) . Thurston (Archbishop of York) organised an English army to resist King David's invasion. Northumbria ceded to David, King of the Scots, in 1149.

In 1154 "Henry II" ascended to the throne as the first undisputed king in over 100 years. He regains control of Northumbria in 1157, and refined Norman government and created a capable, self-standing bureaucracy. Although there were many conflicts, "Henry II" ruled over an empire which stretched from the Scottish border to the Pyrenees.

The Christian church held great power throughout Europe. Even Kings were subject to the dictates of the church. This is most notable with the relationship between "Henry II" and Thomas Becket . Although they were both good friends, Becket and "Henry II" had numerous disputes relating to punishment and authority. All education (especially literacy) was through institutions build by the Church (Oxford University founded in 1167).

To be anything other than a Christian meant almost certain horrific death. The majority of people were illiterate and lived under a feudal system. They were in continuous fear of the local Baron for their livelihood, and in spiritual fear of the church.

The 1100s was very much the period for the crusades and the rise of the Templar knights (founded 1119). The most famous King of England during this period was King Richard I (Richard The Lion Heart) . He was King of England for a short 10 year period (1189 - 1199) of which only about five months were actually spent in England. King Richard is most famous for the third Crusade and his battles with his arch-rival, Saladin , the leader of the Saracens (Arabs). The day before embarking on this Crusade, Richard, granted Saint Mary's church to the Abbot of the Citeaux. Dec 11, 1189