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.
Continue reading