556. 1066: The Battle of Hastings (Part 3)

“The Carmen, the song of the Battle of Hastings, was debated for authenticity but is now widely accepted to have been written by a bishop who served William's wife Matilda.”

“Michael Lawson's book on the battle is probably the best one that there is, discussing the extensive knowledge we have about Hastings.”

“Michael Lawson's definitive book on the battle, came out in 2002, mentioned it several times. He points out the Carmen explicitly states that the English occupied the valley as well as the hill.”

“The Lady Bird book was my kind of introduction to this. It's pretty much taken for granted that this is the rhythm of the day.”

“Mark Morris, in his book on the Norman conquest, believes the story and points out further reasons for doubting that William would have wanted his actions proclaimed abroad.”

“The speaker mentions resisting the temptation to open the episode with a reading from 'Millennium', indicating it is a book they are referencing.”