Month: January 2023

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In 1069, William the Conqueror’s sudden assault on York with a formidable army takes the city by surprise, exploiting strategies learned from previous battles. The city’s defenders, comprising mostly non-combatants, are thrown into chaos, highlighting the harsh realities of warfare on civilian populations. The narrative further delves into the political complexities of the time, including the precarious position of Archbishop Ealdred and the potential crowning of Edgar the Ætheling, which threatens to legitimize a rival claim to the English throne, underscoring the strategic and symbolic power of royal consecration in medieval politics.

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In 1068, a pivotal moment unfolds in Northumbria, where the assassination of Earl Robert at Durham sparks a large-scale rebellion against Norman rule. This event signifies a shift in English resistance, transforming disparate uprisings into a coordinated army ready for rebellion. The construction of a castle in Durham underlines the strategic shift, emphasizing preparedness and defiance against Norman oppression. Engagements with external allies, including King Swegn of Denmark and Scottish nobility, further bolster the rebellion, revealing a comprehensive plan to reclaim England and challenge Norman authority through military and political maneuvers.

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I feel for the English commoners in the late 1060’s.  They had nothing to do with the arrival of the Normans… everything they suffered was the result of the actions of the nobles.  Exclusively.