Category: Chapter Nine

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In 1072, the landscape of power in England and Normandy is tumultuous, with William’s conquest still facing resistance. King Malcolm III of Scotland, with ties to the English throne through his marriage to Margaret, sister of Edgar the Ætheling, poses a subtle threat to William. This period sees a blending of cultural and political norms across the channel, with significant changes within the church, particularly regarding clergy celibacy, marking the beginnings of a transformative era in medieval Europe. Amidst these shifts, the power dynamics and cultural hegemony are in flux, setting the stage for the future.

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To the North, in Scotland, reigned King Malcolm Canmore.  We have been following his story for a long time now, and for good reason. After all, it literally intersects with the infamousMacbeth…  But King Malcolm Canmore was and remains one of the most powerful, and longest reigning, Scottish Kings to date.

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Five years post-Hastings, England remains embroiled in resistance against William’s rule, witnessing widespread rebellions across its towns and cities. Despite facing unrelenting opposition, William’s ruthless strategies and disregard for societal norms have enabled him to maintain control. His actions reveal not just a desire for kingship but an imperial ambition, aiming to forge a new continental empire with Normandy at its heart. This quest for dominance, however, strains William’s resources and relationships, highlighting the complexities and unintended consequences of his conquests.

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Thirty thousand pounds.  That’s what the Gesta claims Hereward charged the Normans for the return of their warlike Abbot Turold.

Thirty thousand.

It is such an obviously inflated number that it almost feels like the scribe is looking directly in the camera and saying “Hey, don’t forget, some of this story is legendary… but we aren’t going to tell you which bits.”  Because there’s no way that this was the actual sum that Hereward was charging.

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In 1071, amidst the backdrop of Norman conquest and resistance, the narrative unfolds around the tragic fall of the English nobility and the calamitous effects of William’s policies. This year witnesses the catastrophic fallout from the Battle of Cassel, where pivotal Norman figures, entangled in Flemish civil strife, suffer greatly. Simultaneously, William’s manipulation of English lands consolidates his power but not without stirring discontent. Amidst this, Hereward’s guerrilla resistance intensifies, exemplifying the enduring struggle against Norman domination, while William grapples with the challenges of maintaining control and loyalty within his ranks.

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In 1071, the betrayal by Abbot Thurstan to William, revealing Ely’s defenses, marks a pivotal moment in Hereward’s resistance. Despite starvation and siege hardships, Hereward’s refusal to surrender underscores his unyielding spirit against Norman dominance. William’s struggle to amass a willing army for the final assault, due to past failures, reveals his reliance on promises of riches for motivation. The detailed accounts of the siege’s grim conditions, from the treacherous marshlands to the psychological warfare waged by William, paint a vivid picture of medieval conflict’s brutality and complexity. Hereward’s eventual escape, leaving Ely to face William’s wrath, symbolizes the enduring fight against oppression, even in the face of overwhelming odds and betrayal.

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William’s efforts to conquer Ely, hindered by the resourceful Hereward, climax with a bold yet flawed strategy involving commandeering all boats for a siege. The narrative weaves through a series of mishaps, including an incendiary sabotage by Hereward, resulting in a disastrous loss for the Normans. This account not only highlights the cunning and resilience of Hereward but also underscores the limitations and challenges faced by William, illustrating the complex dynamics of medieval warfare and resistance.

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Hereward the Wake, embodying the essence of a folk hero, engages in a daring operation to infiltrate King William’s camp, armed with only his wit and courage. Disguised as a potter, he navigates through enemy lines, gathering intelligence on the King’s plans. Despite the threat of exposure and the dire consequences of his mission, Hereward’s audacity and resourcefulness shine as he evades capture and returns to Ely, further cementing his legend and rallying his people against Norman oppression. This episode not only highlights Hereward’s guile but also underscores the desperate and innovative measures undertaken in the struggle for English resistance.

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King William’s siege of Ely, motivated by Hereward’s defiance, epitomizes the struggle between Norman conquest and English resistance. William’s frustration peaks as he witnesses Hereward not just surviving but thriving, bolstering his legend. The king’s attempts to storm Ely through a makeshift causeway and incentivized bravery culminate in a disastrous and almost comical failure, as his army, ill-prepared for the marshy terrain, faces dire consequences. This episode, blending ambition with miscalculation, underscores the complexities of medieval warfare and the enduring spirit of resistance embodied by Hereward and his followers.

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Hereward’s raid on Peterborough and subsequent alliance with Danish forces highlight a critical phase in his resistance against Norman oppression. Seeking to protect the Abbey’s wealth from Norman plunder, Hereward’s actions inadvertently lead to the town’s devastation and capture of monks, complicating his mission. This episode reflects the complex interplay of politics, loyalty, and strategy, showcasing Hereward’s dual role as protector and raider, as well as the unforeseen consequences of his alliance with the Danes, ultimately reshaping the landscape of rebellion in medieval England.

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