29th July 1128
It was announced today that twenty-five year-old William Clito, the heir to Robert Curthose, former Duke of Normandy, has died of an infected wound at Aalst in Flanders. William Clito, along with his confederate, Godfrey of Louvain, had been besieging the town of Aalst since 12th July as part of his bid to retain the disputed title of Count of Flanders (see pictured seal).
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Thursday November 25th 1120 AD
King Henry sailed safely from Barfleur on Thursday night, but his son Prince William, along with many members of his family, eminent noblemen, councillors and companions as well as distinguished clerics, advisers and courtiers perished in a tragic accident when their late-night ferry struck off-shore rocks at Barfleur.
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June 5th 1118
The death has been announced of one of the most prominent men of the last half century. Soldier, diplomat, adviser and royal confidant, Robert of Meulan was an indispensable member of the court for nearly fifty years, the last survivor of the generation of heroes who conquered at Hastings and made England the kingdom it is today.
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29th September 1106
Yesterday was the fortieth anniversary of the day the Conqueror landed at Pevensey and gained a kingdom. And yesterday was the day his son, Duke Robert, lost Normandy. After a rainsoaked battle fought at Tinchebrai in wretched conditions, the duke’s hopes sank into the mud and disappeared.
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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.
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October 1100 – Breaking News
Amidst huge controversy it has been announced that a formal inquiry is to be held at Lambeth this month to inquire into the past life of Matilda, daughter of the late Malcolm of Scotland. This lady, who used to be known as Edith, spent her youth at the nunnery at Wilton. It was said that she became a nun and wore the veil. This is denied by her supporters. Now a formal inquiry is investigate the truth of the situation. The lady herself, who is said to be deeply upset, has not released a statement and is currently unavailable for comment.
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Holy Wednesday April 21st 1109
It was announced from Canterbury today that one of the most famous and influential men in Europe for the last half century has died peacefully at home in Canterbury at the age of 76.
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1070 AD
Some secrecy surrounds the commissioning of an artwork to commemorate the events leading up to the Battle of Hastings in the autumn of 1066. Although news about it has leaked out, no-one has come forward to claim artistic involvement or financial investment in the project.
What seems clear is that the unknown commissioner is someone with huge resources and a great deal of personal energy. “It takes a strong motive to drive forward such a massive project less than five years after the event, “ said one commentator. “Somebody wants to control the story rather badly.”
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