Canterbury Waterstone's

Two discriminating young men check out the details of a forthcoming author talk at Canterbury Waterstone's (St Margaret's Street). The one on the left is making sure that he is still named on the dedication page.

A letter to Terry Deary

Terry Deary, author of the Horrible Histories series, is reportedly in favour of closing public libraries.

 

Dear Terry Deary

I’ve just started reading your book, Stormin’ Normans. I’m only up to page 10, I’m afraid, but then I’m a slow reader.

You describe the site of William the Conqueror’s first battle, Val-es-Dunes, as being ‘on the Norman border with France’. It’s actually just outside Caen, nowhere near the French border.

You say that William died a year after 1085, i.e. 1086. He actually died in 1087.

You say that Henry I’s only son died in 1119. The correct date is 1120.

You say that William’s queen, Matilda, was only 127cm tall. This is a modern myth caused by misreporting. The French archaeologists who examined her partial remains actually concluded she was 152cm (about 5’).

You say William was buried in a cathedral he founded in Caen. There is no cathedral in Caen. William founded an abbey.

I'll get back to you again when I've finished the rest of the book. But in the meantime, I can't help wondering: do you think you should have spent more time in the library?

best wishes
Dr Marc Morris

Time Team, Oakham Castle

I appeared in the episode of Time Team that went out on Sunday 10 February. You can watch it again here.

Now available on Twitter

You can now follow me on Twitter! Marc Morris @Longshanks1307

Inside Out

On Monday 4 February I appeared on BBC 1's Inside Out (South East), defending the belief that the Battle of Hastings was fought on the site of Battle Abbey.

New Norman Conquest Films

I recently made some short films to coincide with the forthcoming paperback release of The Norman Conquest. Here is the first one. For the others, go to the new 'Films' page, above.

 

Kings and Castles for less than £1!

From today until next Wednesday, Kings and Castles can be downloaded to your Kindle or PC for just £0.99! Click on the cover to go straight to its Amazon page.