Mediaeval History

A popular tale of scorched cakes and a scolded king.

King Alfred the Great ruled from 871 to 899. He did more than any other king to unite the English as a nation, but first he had to overcome an invasion of Danes from across the North Sea, and a very cross housewife.

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A story about William the Conqueror’s father, Robert the Magnificent.

Robert the Magnificent (1000-1035) was Duke of Normandy, and the father of King William I of England. His nickname referred in part to his legendary generosity.

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Ralph Neville spoiled David of Scotland’s alliance with France in the Hundred Years’ War

King David II of Scotland tried to help his ally France in the Hundred Years’ War, by knocking boldly on England’s back door. But after he stumbled across Ralph Neville’s defence force in a mist, things went from bad to worse.

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When Edward III sent the Earl of Salisbury to take her absent husband’s castle, Agnes brushed his attack aside - literally.

In the 14th century, Patrick, ninth Earl of Dunbar, found himself caught between the warring kings of England and Scotland, and survived by frequently changing sides. His wife was made of sterner stuff...

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The ten-year-old got away from a royal castle disguised as a bundle of hay.

William Longsword was the son of Rollo, a Viking who had made his home in northern France, much to the disgust of the French kings. William was murdered on December 17, 942, leaving a son named Richard.

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In 6th century France, a faithful kitchen servant sold himself into slavery to rescue a kidnapped boy.

Early in the 6th century, northern Gaul came under the control of the Franks, whose capital was Metz on what is now the border between France and Germany. Their chieftains frequently kidnapped and enslaved or ransomed the sons of noble Roman families.

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