The Elephants of Norwich (Domesday Book 11)
The investigative commission of the Royal census, headed by Ralph Delchard and Gervaise Bret, enters Norwich city to a warm welcome from sheriff Roger Bigarot. This cushions the Commissioners from two unpleasant major landowners in dispute: Richard de Fontenel and Mauger Livarot. Not only are they in argument over land but also over the hand of the desirable widow Lady Adelaide. De Fontenel appeals to Lady Adelaide’s desire for gold and jewellery by offering a wedding gift of two solid gold elephant figurines. But before he can press the lady for an answer the figurines, and his steward Hermer, disappear! The sheriff asks Delchard and Bret to assist him in the search for the elephants and man—which involves them in more serious issues and direct confrontation with both de Fontenel and Mauger.
This is an excellent episode in the Domesday series. Marston manages to engage the reader with believable characterisation and an intriguing plot. He also brings to life the tense feelings between the Norman invaders and the Saxon natives.
