What form of measurements did they use in Norman times to build Abbeys etc.?

As the guy above said. But they also used comp points and geometric shapes. A square could easily be traced on the floor, then the diagonal was used as the next marker, using a string line. If you stand corner to corner, then walk until you come to the next upright, say to your left, your string will be slightly bigger than the last square you drew. Place a marker where it reaches, and repeat the step from the bottom of your square.