Tag Archives: William Duke of Normandy

Closer ties with Denmark?

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By March, the ‘Treacherous Tostig’ had sailed all that way to Denmark and on to Viborg, just for King Sweyn to tell him no.

‘I don’t want to turn against Harold, he’s family too. I’d rather fight side by side with him, against that Viking William, then support any of your ill thought out proposed invasion plans. You’ll get no help here.’

AN INTERVIEW WITH ONE OF KING HAROLD’S CLOSEST ADVISORS

Last night our Royal Reporter was able to capture this insight into a political strategy that may help England’s cause. Speaking anonymously, a noble Lord said:

“If I had my way, Harold would be sending out emissaries to Denmark and building up his family ties abroad. They’d send an army to help and it might stop William if we could show a united front. Those Vikings from Norway have been trouble for the last 250 years, looting, burning and pillaging, and everything else too. William’s got Viking blood and he’s just the same. We need to stop him at source, turn his people against him. Sometimes, the King is so stubborn he won’t listen to any advice, good or bad.”

It’s an interesting viewpoint and one that makes some sense but will King Harold take heed?

FITZOSBERN THROWS DOWN THE GAUNTLET

After spring begins, William summons another war council to meet at Lillebonne and they begin to draw up the invasion plans. FitzOsbern, Lord of Breteuil, announced that “I’ll furnish forty ships, manned, equipped and provisioned, who of you will be brave enough to follow my lead”. The gauntlet was thrown down to the assembled nobles, challenging their loyalty to great effect. The first battle was won.

Following the reports from Normandy, the talk on the streets of London dismisses William as delusional and paranoid. “He’s just like a spoilt child” one said. “Stamps his feet and throws a tantrum just like my four year old but my wife gives in to him and he gets what he wants in the end, the same as William”. Another said “It’s all because he didn’t get England. He’s just evil but we can’t get his people to see that, he’s got such a good propaganda machine that they all believe him – even that Pope chap in Rome.”

For the full report behind these headlines and the reports, read 1066 The Saxon Times and experience the Norman Conquest through the eyes of the Saxon Times reporters.

For more information on The Saxon Times visit: www.1066thesaxontimes.com/home

 

YOU CAN PULL THE WOOL OVER THE EYES OF THE PEOPLE.

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COUNCIL OF ROUEN 2nd February 1066

The Duke summoned his chief magnates to a council at Rouen with the intention of outlining his plans and drumming up support for a Norman invasion of England.

The reception to his war plans was chilly to say the least, ‘an unimpressive presentation that failed to address how the money would be raised for such an enormous venture’ said one Earl. ‘It’s fine riding off across country to besiege a castle but overseas is something else and there are more like me that feel the same’.

YOU CAN PULL THE WOOL OVER THE EYES OF THE PEOPLE.

‘Easily led, fickle, no spine’ were just some of the comments that were heard on the streets of Rouen that night. ‘Dragging the common man into another war just so that the rich can line their pockets even more. It’s us that has to do the real fighting’ was heard more than once. The mood was sombre after the decision of the Council was read out from the steps of the Cathedral.

A DECLARATION OF WAR

“It is the decision of The Council of Rouen that as from today, we are at war with England.”

For all the stories behind the headlines, read 1066 The Saxon Times and experience the Norman Conquest through the eyes of the Saxon Times reporters

For more information on The Saxon Times visit:          1066 Harold’s Way

LONDON MONTHLY: 30TH JUNE 1066

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Read about 1066 in this brief summary of The Saxon Times.

The Saxon Times is the paper that brings you the news as it happened and editorial, comment, features, foreign news, and special editions to bring the events to life.

Read the stories behind the headlines when The Saxon Times is published in September 2016.

LONDON MONTHLY: 30TH JUNE 1066

Royal Press Release 1st June 1066

By Our Royal Correspondent

Eadgard of West Minster

‘Today, King Harold II sails from Westminster to join the Royal Fleet.

The Fleet will sail to the Isle of Wight and will stay there until the 8th of September.

The Phoney War Continues

There is still the feeling amongst some of the King’s aides that it will ‘all be over by the end of summer’.

Reports from France tell of an army of men all along the Norman coast, building and fitting out ships of all sizes for carrying men, horses, provisions and weapons.

 

Normandy News

A Blessing in Disguise

On the 17th June, a Charter for the Holy Trinity in Caen was ratified by William and confirmed the status of the Abbey of the Holy Trinity, sources close to the Duke suggested that it was a further example of William’s godliness.

Robert The New Duke Of Normandy

Also on the 17th June, the following short court statement was issued:

‘Duke William hereby confirms that his son Robert will be proclaimed as Duke of Normandy should he fail to return from England.’

Does William Expect To Die?

With this official proclamation of his succession, is it the first sign of the vulnerability of Duke William. To leave Normandy in the hands of one so young speaks of William’s realisation of human frailty.

 

Last Month’s Quiz – ‘Where Will Tostig Go Next?’

The winner is Sigbert of Elesford and arrangements will be made to deliver his prize of a cow, donated by Rochester Abbey, as soon as possible.

 

Tostig’s Tortuous Travels

Tostig’s European Tour continues.

 

Harald Hardrada, Tostig’s Last Hope

Tostig thinks that he has a good idea that will appeal to King Harald Hardrada.

 

News from Europe: Germany June 1066

It is announced that his Imperial Majesty, Henry IV, King of Germany, has married Bertha of Savoy and Turin, daughter of Otto, Count of Savoy.

The Royal couple have been betrothed since 1055

 

There is much more to read about June 1066 in an A3 size poster available from History Walks.

Follow this link to check out The Saxon Times for June 1066:                  Blog logo