Conquest (The Medieval Saga Series)
In the Saxon village of Sandlake, villagers are going about their lives in the autumn of 1065. Widow Gwenyth is chasing down her pig in Caldbec Wood when she is startled by a naked man escaping Earl Harold’s men. Motivated by the want of a man in her bed, she takes him in to feed and clothe, but she fails to seduce him—he is a priest. She delivers him to the abbey, the best hiding place for a priest. Field continues to introduce his various characters that play a role before, during, and after the Norman conquest of England. Wilfrid (Will) is the main protagonist—brave, level-headed, and honorable. The lazy Thegn Leofric and his troublesome wife Earlene of Manor Court, and the other churls and thralls all interest the reader.
The Norsemen invade northern England and are fought off by the Earls of Northumbria and Mercia, then Duke William of Normandy invades England in the south. Will and his friend Selwyn join Harold Godwinson’s fyrd to help fight off William, ending in a devastating loss. William demands the Saxons pay homage to him and “wishes to see the tops of their heads as they kneel before him.” He slays all who don’t obey, even those who aren’t resisting. As William proceeds to London to claim the throne, Will accompanies him as interpreter and to persuade people to pay the homage demanded with the hope of saving lives, but William as conqueror is a vicious tyrant sacking, burning, and slaughtering along the way.
Field writes a clear narrative of the Norman Conquest and its aftermath. The focus is on the history and the characters, although distinct, exist to enliven the story. In his next book in the series, Traitor’s Arrow, I look forward to visiting life in 1110 CE under Norman rule.
