Category Archives: The Remarkable Tale of the Bull and the Sheep

PEACE TALKS AT ALTON

Robert Curthose, Duke of Normandy

August 2nd 1101

Until recently war seemed a real possibility in the unharvested fields around Alton. Two armies were facing off after weeks of manoeuvring. We have followed the progress of Duke Robert of Normandy’s invasion of England since July when he landed with an armed force at Portsmouth harbour and challenged his brother, Henry, to a showdown. Since then the country has been poised for the outbreak of war, everyone braced for the worst, every day tension and fear showing in people’s faces as news of battle was hourly expected. 

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TOWER BREAK OUT – Daring Midnight Escape

Ranulf Flambard’s escape from the Tower

February 2nd 1101 AD

Disgraced ex-minister, Ranulf Flambard, long-time henchman of the late King William Rufus, (killed by an arrow last August in a hunting accident), broke out of the notorious Thameside Tower on the night of Candelmas and disappeared without trace. Imprisoned by the present king for a string of offences including withholding payments to the church, appropriating lands, intimidation and amassing a private fortune at the expense of the public treasury, he strenuously denied all charges, claiming to have been ‘made a scapegoat.’

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ROYAL DEATH HORROR – King Killed in Tragic Accident

Death of William Rufus

Thursday August 2nd 1100 AD

In a ghastly repetition of the accident in May this year when Richard, love-child of Duke Robert, was killed while hunting in the New Forest, the King yesterday suffered a similar fate.

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DEATH OF WULFNOTH – Hostage to Fortune

Harold (centre) pleading for his brother Wulfnoth (on right of Harold) before Duke William of Normandy (second from left)

1094 AD

The death has just been announced of Wulfnoth, brother of King Harold and last survivor of the six sons of Earl Godwin and the Danish Princess Gytha. His death breaks the final link with the former ruling English family. Wulfnoth’s life was a sad and lonely one, spent largely in exile and very often in prison.

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ELOPEMENT SCANDAL HITS ROYAL CIRCLES – Leaked Documents from Canterbury Embarrass Archbishop

Passion conquers all

1093 AD

Leaked documents from the private correspondence of Anselm, Archbishop of Canterbury, are set to expose a love affair involving prominent members of the nobility.

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ANSELM BECOMES ARCHBISHOP – Reluctant Primate Appointed to See of Canterbury

The seal of Anselm of Canterbury

1093 AD

After a four year vacancy the see of Canterbury is to have a new incumbent whose appointment has come about in the most unusual circumstances. Sixty year old Anselm, Italian monk and Abbot of Bec, has reluctantly, after a long and stormy relationship with King William Rufus, taken on the role as Primate of England. The conferment and acceptance come about in the most bizarre circumstances which some court sources are calling a ‘black comedy.’ 

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COMMEMORATIVE ARTWORK COMMISSIONED – Prestige Art Project Shrouded in Mystery

Saint Augustine’s Abbey, where the project is to be undertaken

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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