Easter 1105

Carentan yesterday became the centre of Anglo-Norman politics. Unlikely as it seems, this little town at the foot of the Contentin peninsula, squeezed into a marshy basin of the Douve, was the scene of unprecedented controversy.

People in fear of their lives and property    

In recent months Carentan church has become famous as the depository of valuables.  Householders in the area, fearful of marauders, have stashed their wealth in the nave of the church. As Robert Curthose was widely denounced as an ineffectual ruler who could not keep his people or their property safe, the clergy threw open religious buildings to guarantee protection. As a result, the church of Carentan filled up with precious objects. 

Now Carentan and the surrounding villages are claiming the protection of the King of England, who travelled to the Contentin in April a diplomatic visit to the penninsula in his role as Count. It is understood that Henry was seen at the church yesterday although it is not known if he took part in what must be the most contoversial Easter service the province has ever seen. 

Bishop Serlo denounces Duke Robert – serious accusations made against the duke 

In a speech that has no precedent, Serlo, longtime Bishop of Sées, attacked Robert Curthose, Duke of Normandy, in the most virulent terms. In front of a packed congregation which included King Henry, the brother of the said Curthose, Serlo let rip with a savage personal attack charging him with failing to govern either himself or his dukedom and calling on Henry to seize the duchy by main force. 

Serlo accuses Duke of scandalous neglect

The bishop reportedly said that Curthose allowed “fear, alarm and outrage to stalk the land.” Then went on to accuse him of  ‘wild, drunken behaviour’ and ‘presiding over an effeminate and corrupt court.’ The Bishop of Seés then called on Henry to “put right these wrongs.” 

Dramatic appeal to King

Speaking directly to Henry, Bishop Serlo said: “ Your brother does not truly hold Normandy, nor does he govern the people as a Duke ought, leading them along the path of righteousness. Sunk in lethargy, he is dominated by men of little worth. He squanders the wealth of a great duchy on trifles and follies.”

According to witnesses Henry was seen to be listening with an expression of agreement. ‘He was not angered by the attack on his brother,” said one bystander. “The King showed no alarm at the speech,” said another.

Some even whispered that Henry had given the bishop positive encouragement. “If Serlo makes Curthose look bad,” said one local man, “ he makes Henry look good. Who doesn’t want to look good?”

People are openly saying that this was an appeal to arms, an invitation to a power grab of the most extreme nature, involving fratricide and war. One startled onlooker commented: ‘It amounts to open encouragement by the church for Henry to do what he has always wished to do.”  In other words, nothing less than the conquest of Normandy.

Rapturous crowd cheers hostile speech as Serlo calls for Henry to save duchy.

Indeed many people are now openly asking: Did Henry stage this whole performance to gain favour for his intended war? 

So far there has been no official statement. Henry’s entourage has made no public announcement. At this moment the King is understood to be moving his troops towards Bayeux.

We await developments.