Saxon Times Review November 1066
Get an insight into 1066 and experience the Norman Conquest through the eyes of the Saxon Times reporters. For all the stories behind the headlines read the Saxon Times.
Rochester Spared but Guildford Burns
Queen Edith pledges support for Duke William and Winchester is saved
Today, Duke William sent word to Winchester, held in dower by Edith, widow of King Edward, with a demand that they pay tribute.
It was revealed in a statement from the Duke’s camp that he “considered it would be dishonourable if he went to take away the seat thus granted her and he asked for only an impost and a pledge”. This had already been agreed with the Queen’s advisers and the town council the night before. It was to be a token that safeguarded Winchester and secured the Treasury for Duke William.
The Norman War Machine moves on to Reading and Wallingford.
The army has orders to waste the countryside partly for food and partly retribution against Saxon Wessex. At Wallingford they are to make camp and wait for the Duke at the head of the enlarged Second Division
Empire To Last For Thousand Years
I listened as Duke William gave a rousing and impromptu speech from his saddle:
“Prepare yourself for the battles ahead for you will be part of a new model army that will, if necessary subdue this nation by force. We will create a Norman Empire that will stretch across Europe and last for a thousand years. We have already made great inroads in Sicily and Southern Italy and soon England will fall.
You will cherish this moment forever and soon you will take your share of our glorious inheritance”.
It was met with enthusiastic cheers but they were soon quietened as the Duke impressed upon them the need to first take Mass as befitted a Holy Army marching under the Papal Banner.
Such lies and duplicity! But the propaganda that is broadcast as part of the Duke’s war machine is readily absorbed by those with avarice and greed all too evident.
1066thesaxontimes.com 