William
of Jumieges was born in Normandy in
about 1025. He became a Benedictine
monk at Jumieges. In about 1070 he compiled a history of the Norman
rulers, The Deeds of the Dukes of Normandy.
The book started with the story of Rollo the
Ganger and ended with William the Conqueror.
The book was based on William's reading of existing manuscripts plus
his own knowledge and observations.
When William finished the book he sent a copy to William
the Conqueror. He also sent a letter which explained that the
main purpose of the book was to demonstrate that William was the rightful
king of England. William of Jumieges died in about 1090.
(1) William
of Jumieges, Deeds of the Dukes of the Normans (c. 1070)
Edward, king of the English, lacking
an heir sent Duke Harold, the greatest of all the earls to swear fealty
to William, Duke of Normandy concerning Edward's crown. Harold remained
with the duke for some time, and swore fealty concerning the kingdom
with many oaths, before being sent back to the king laden with gifts.
(2)
William
of Jumieges, Deeds of the Dukes of the Normans (c. 1070)
William, Duke of Normandy, never allowed himself to be deterred from
any enterprise because of the labour it entailed. He was strong in
body and tall in stature. He was moderate in drinking, for he deplored
drunkenness in all men. In speech he was fluent and persuasive, being
skilled at all times in making clear his will. He followed the Christian
discipline in which he had been brought up from childhood, and whenever
his health permitted he regularly attended Christian worship each
morning and at the celebration of mass.
(3)
William
of Jumieges, Deeds of the Dukes of the Normans (c. 1070)
The peasants wanted to make use of the woods, forests and waters.
Each assembly of English people appointed two deputies who were to
meet in order to press their case. But William, Duke
of Normandy, learning of this, promptly sent a group of soldiers
to scatter the peasant gathering. They arrested all the deputies and
some other peasants, having first chopped off their hands and feet,
they sent them back home to their families, helpless for the rest
of their lives.
Available from Amazon Books
(order below)
