William
of Poitiers was born in Normandy in
about 1030. After studying in Poitiers he served as a Norman knight.
Later he became a priest and was eventually appointed as the Archdeacon
of Lisieux. It was at this time that William became friends with William,
Duke of Normandy.
When William became king of England in 1066 he invited William of
Poitiers to become his personal chaplain. William's book, The
Deeds of William, Duke of the Normans, was published in
about 1073. Although William of Poitiers was in Lisieux during 1066,
his book provides the most detailed description that we have of the
Battle of Hastings.
(1)
William of Poitiers, The
History of William the Conqueror (c. 1073)
Edward, king of the English, who
had already established William as his heir and whom he loved as a
brother or a son. To confirm his promise to William he sent to him
Harold, of all his subjects the greatest in riches.
(2)
William of Poitiers, The
History of William the Conqueror (c. 1073)
There came a report, that King Edward
was dead and his crown was worn by Harold. William as determined to
avenge the wrong by arms. A large force of 50,000 volunteers were
assembled, all confident in the justice of his cause.
(3)
William
of Poitiers, The Deeds of William, Duke of the Normans (c.
1071)
Duke William excelled both in bravery and soldier-craft. He dominated
battles, checking his own men in flight, strengthening their spirit,
and sharing their dangers.
William was a noble general, inspiring courage, sharing danger, more
often commanding men to follow than urging them on from the rear.
The enemy (at the Battle of Hastings)
lost heart at the mere sight of this marvellous and terrible
knight. Three horses were killed under him. Three times he leapt to
his feet. Shields, helmets, hauberks were cut by his furious and flashing
blade, while yet other attackers were clouted by his own shield.
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