A Savage Majesty

By W. B. Baker

The utmost threat to
William II, King of England,
could never be frustrated or
thwarted by his fortress of The
Tower of London.
Richard, son of William the
Conqueror and heir, was
inadvertently dispatched in a
hunting mishap.
His nephew was later
coincidentally killed in another
hunting accident in the very
same forest.
As in every pride of lions,
the most formidable attack
upon ones legacy is frequently
sprung against a dynasty from
within: often from the very
litter that share the Kings
bread, if not his very bed.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Dec 27, 2011
• ISBN: 9781469130668

W. B. Baker

Member of The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, the author has been recognized by the Congress of the United States of America and awarded the Queen’s Golden Jubilee Medal for his contributions to Literature. W. B. Baker has been honoured with inclusion in Gale (Cengage) Contemporary Authors, Who’s Who in The World, The Magistracy Medal of Honour (Order of St George), Top 100 Writers Author Laureate (Cambridge, England), and recognised with a Resolution from the Missouri Senate (United States). Enthusiastic readers in forty-one countries around the world attest to this author’s breath-taking imagery and his ability to convey the uncommon faith and courage of the British nation. “Kudos to the author for clouting our sensibilities – in an unapologetic attempt to awaken England’s devotion to a grand and goodly heritage … and his tireless service to the United Kingdom, its culture and its people.” — Royal Tunbridge Wells

Book preview

Copyright © 2011 by W.B. Baker.

Library of Congress Control Number:          2011961827

ISBN:                      Hardcover                      978-1-4691-3065-1

                                 Softcover                      978-1-4691-3064-4

                                 Ebook                            978-1-4691-3066-8

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to any actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

Lion photograph incorporated into cover art courtesy of the kind permission of Levi J. Self.

This book was printed in the United States of America.

To order additional copies of this book, contact:

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Contents

With

Appreciation

Preface

Maps

Author’s

Introduction

Prologue

Chapter

One

Chapter

Two

Chapter

Three

Chapter

Four

Chapter

Five

Chapter

Six

Chapter

Seven

Chapter

Eight

Chapter

Nine

Chapter

Ten

Chapter

Eleven

Chapter

Twelve

Chapter

Thirteen

Chapter

Fourteen

Chapter

Fifteen

Chapter

Sixteen

Chapter

Seventeen

Chapter

Eighteen

Chapter

Nineteen

Chapter

Twenty

Chapter

Twenty-One

Chapter

Twenty-Two

Chapter

Twenty-Three

Chapter

Twenty-Four

Chapter

Twenty-Five

Chapter

Twenty-Six

Chapter

Twenty-Seven

Chapter

Twenty-Eight

About

The Author

Castles Cited

In The Text

Abergavenny Castle

Arundel Castle

Berkeley Castle

Caerphilly Castle

Cardiff Castle

Carlisle Castle

Caernarfon Castle

Chepstow Castle

Dover Castle

Kenfig Castle

Leicester Castle

Lewes Castle

Monmouth Castle

Newark Castle

Newport Castle

Oxford Castle

Pembroke Castle

Pontefract Castle

Rochester Castle

Rouen Castle

Sandal Castle

Skenfrith Castle

Tower of London

Usk Castle

Wallingford Castle

Wark Castle

Warwick Castle

Winchester Castle

Windsor Castle

Selected Bibliography

and

Contributors

Dedicated To

Her Majesty

Elizabeth the Second,

By the Grace of God, of the united kingdom of Great Britain and northern Ireland, And of her other realms and territories, Queen,

Head of the commonwealth,

Defender of the faith

With the Greatest of

Respect and Admiration

By The

Same Author

The Wraiths of Raglan Wood

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2009

The Ravenous

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2007

Ordeal Of The Dragon

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2006

Vault Of The Griffin

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2004

The Orphans of Carmarthen

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2001

A Solitary Frost

Random House/Xlibris

Philadelphia, PA; USA.

2000

A Solitary Frost

New Millennium Publishers

(First Edition)

London, England; UK.

1998

The Director’s Handbook

A Survival Guide for the Theatre Director

Kansas City, Missouri; USA

1995

Celtic Mythological Influences

on American Theatre

University Press of America

London; New York.

1994

With

Appreciation

Many organisations and individuals should, by rights, entertain special recognition and specific mention for their important contributions with respect to the historical research and time-consuming analysis required for the production of this fictional work set in the county of Hampshire and, specifically, within the villages of Stoney Cross and Minstead in the region of the New Forest.

* * * * * * *

Once again, my appreciation and greatest respect is humbly offered to

Lady Marion Veronica Brett

and

The Right Reverend

Michael Greene-Butler

of

Southampton, England

whose inspiration and friendship over the many years have inspired my on-going efforts to portray, to some degree, their dignity and innate integrity.

Without doubt, they remain my Dear and True Friends.

* * * * * * *

Lion photograph incorporated into cover art courtesy of the kind permission of Levi J. Self.

Interior Illustrations, including all medieval woodcuts, various line illustrations, and historical engravings of the period were acquired through painstaking research within the Public Domain.

* * * * * * *

Noteworthy appreciation is, likewise, extended to the following individuals and organisations for their invaluable contributions of time, information, and expertise:

CADW

Welsh Historic Monuments

Cathays Park, Cardiff

Wales, Great Britain

Rick Turner

Inspector of Ancient Monuments

Arolgydd Henebion

Cadw Inspectorate / Arolygiaeth Cadw

Welsh Assembly Government

Lorraine Griffiths

Cynorthwyydd Personol i’r Cyfarwyddwr

Llywodraeth Cynulliad Cymru

Frank Olding

Heritage Officer

Blaenau Gwent

Wales

Julian Thomas

Brenda Cook

Caerphilly Castle

Caerphilly, Mid Glamorgan

Wales

Cyngor Bwrdeistref Sirol

Caerffili

Pecadlys Llyfrgelloedd

Pontllanfraith, Coed Duon

Wales

Caerphilly Local Studies Collection

English & Cymraeg

Caerphilly, Blackwood, Rhymney, and Bargoed

Glamorgan, Wales

Nic Pitman

Community Librarian

Caerphilly, Wales

Helen Lerry

Julie Lancaster

Daniel Morgan

Library Assistants

Caerphilly, Wales

Maureen Bowler

Janice Pratten

Supply Library Assistants

Caerphilly, Wales

The Library of Bargoed

The Square

Bargoed, Wales

Steve Kings

Senior Library Assistant

Bargoed, Wales

Leighton James

Library Assistant

Bargoed

And

Llyfrgell Genedlaethol Cymru

The National Library of Wales

Aberstwyth, Wales

The author would like to especially acknowledge the significant contributions of

Rachel Hartland

http://ramtopsrac.wordpress.com

and

John Dommett Young of Fernhill, Stoney Cross in Lyndhurst, Hampshire who were both instrumental in procuring the necessary historical references utilised within this work of fiction.

* * * * * * *

Shelly, Allison, and Rebecca Mitchell all deserve notable appreciation and special mention. When the author found himself in desperate need of encouragement, these three young women found the strength to believe when, much as one might be reluctant to confess, the candle of faith had almost succumbed to darkness.

Appreciation is also extended to Robb Walter—adored by women, feared by men: he is one of the luckiest men I know. Thanks as well to his stunning ‘Victoria’s Secret Model’ wife, Sarah, whose captivating physical beauty is only surpassed by that of her spirit. And to Lola, their enchanting daughter who, by the Grace of God, inherited none of her father’s chiselled features. In the course of life, we seldom come across kindred souls. Even more rarely one actually stumbles into the hearts of intuitive people who, for no apparent reason, accept a person with all their faults and frailties. It is my proud testimony to call them friends—irrespective of shouts of ‘You’re safe now, ma’am: US Marines!’ that reverberate through their walls and down the street at unusually regular intervals.

Great indebtedness is, likewise, due David and Teresa McAlister, for watching over both the physical and spiritual needs of the author through a particularly difficult season of my life. Even when dealing with great challenges in their own lives over the past twenty-four months, each found time to lift my spirit by exemplifying Christian values. Without their continual prayers and unfailing encouragement this publication would never have seen completion. Their love for each other defines them as a couple and characterises the finest features of their affection for the entire world to see.

Thanks are extended to Donald Cohron—for hours of laughter, unabashed honesty, and encouragement. Generous to a fault, Don has always made himself available to help and instruct—even with a terribly slow learner such as myself. Likewise, to Linda Cohron is extended my heartfelt gratitude; for being my friend when I had literally nothing to give her in return. This remarkable woman can always be counted on for her support and honesty—a truly virtuous woman.

In a world that, particular for the past twelve months, has grown quite barren and cold, it has been my great fortune to have embraced such fine and devoted friends.

* * * * * * *

Gary Scott Mitchell.

Where does one begin to praise a friend who has been closer than a brother: whose unrelenting pragmatism and common sense may be only surpassed by the gentleman’s steadfast denial to concede he might ever be considered as that guy.

A thoughtful, compassionate, and considerate human being who has spent a lifetime cultivating the sometimes preposterous and often improbable disguise of pirate and brigand:

A rogue,

A scoundrel,

A misbegotten knave.

Who, in real life, is one of the finest men I have ever known. As he has often proclaimed, a demigod should possess the finest of camouflage to secret his identity from the rest of us mere mortals.

Candour and withering honesty being virtually impossible to maroon from a ready, uncanny wit; Mr Mitchell has proven to be one of those most rare acquaintances. So uncommon indeed that, over the years, I count myself a better man largely due to the benefit of his friendship and all too often withering honesty.

Throughout a lifetime of travel around the world, it may be quite confidently stated that the author has found this gentle man to be invaluable as both colleague and confidant—the most exceptional and extraordinary of associates. For the best part of thirty years, it has been my privilege to know Gary Scott Mitchell.

Distinguished adversary, spurious blackguard, mongrel and scamp—for whom I would gladly throw away my life without a second thought.

No man could ever claim a finer friend. **

**At the personal request of Mr Mitchell, copies of this ‘awe-inspiring and yet still entirely inadequate’ eulogy are available for sale in the lobby.

* * * * * * *

Interior Illustrations, including all medieval woodcuts, line illustrations, and period engravings have been thoroughly researched and proven to be taken from Public Domain.

Photographs adapted by the author were procured from freely available sources and domain.

* * * * * * *

Preface

Exhibiting one’s latest attempt at literary notoriety to the world is always fraught with the anxiety that critics will, after bolting down through the iron bars of their cages to rend and tear, turn and hasten back to their windowless cubicles with one’s lifeless infant gripped firmly in their jaws. As a result, many authors have taken to the preface in an effort to minimise their damages: to expound upon the importance of the content—or try to somehow justify their ramblings and opinions as expressed within the story.

Following that line of thinking, it has always been this writer’s idea to key the audience in somehow to the time period of the novel and introduce them, however briefly, to the cast of players.

Until now.

For the first time in my life that seems entirely frivolous and out-and-out silly.

Rather than offer some pretentious justification about the value of research and publication about people long dead and locations half-forgotten, I thought it wise to simply clear the air and offer some honest reflections.

First and foremost, no apologies are offered with regard to the characters portrayed within this work of historical fiction. Most authors would spend some time at this point to state how great liberties were taken with regard to situations and personalities; that, basically, they should not be held accountable for liberality with the truth taken in the name of artistic licence.

The whole point of historical fiction is to express some point or idea that the author wishes to make—that may or may not have actually played a role in how history might be told or recounted by those who took a part. Histories, one must remember, have always been written by the victors; by those who have a particular axe to grind or perspective on what actually happened. They are, as a consequence, quite often no more accurate than the fanciful ranting of writers several generations removed.

I would, however, have to offer very many apologies for any misrepresentation of actual fact: it being my foremost intent to base fictionalised accounts of relationships upon the solid base of recorded history. One wonders if, at some future date in some other existence, the author might be held accountable for any artistic license by those portrayed. If that be the case, then I at least will be able to defend the nature of the individuals portrayed within this work; for I, by default, am a direct consequence of their character and personalities.

Dealing with so rich a period of England’s history, it became clear from the outset that there was simply no way one might be true to every historical event that was occurring in England, Wales, Scotland, and France during the years in question. One simply was forced to draw from practical experience in dramatic production and modify the premise slightly to state that: if it is not in the book, then it doesn’t exist. Otherwise, this novel would simply become another dry account of events long past and often better off forgotten.

* * * * * * *

With regard to characterisation, it should be made quite clear that many of the personages portrayed within the novel were actual people and, in many cases, distant relatives. I must confess that certain of the characters are shamelessly based upon actual family members it has been my fortune and, in certain instances, honest displeasure to claim as family. What can one say, other than most families, as I understand, have an equal number of heroes and unsavoury characters with which they must contend.

And, for not pulling punches when it comes to some of the asinine, totally Machiavellian behaviour of those included in my genealogy; I make no apologies whatsoever: they, as I, deserve what may be coming in any future ruling or verdict of history.

The maps and illustrations dispersed at regular intervals throughout the book are actual medieval woodcuts, engravings, and line drawings that currently exist within the public domain. Some of the rather crude representations are solely the personal responsibility of the author.

For my authorities, I refer the reader to the bibliography and contributors portion of the text at the close of this publication. While many, many more references are available on the subject matter, this author thought it prudent to simply list a representative selection of what is currently available for examination and trust the intrepid researcher to sort them out as best as possible to suit one’s needs and individual interests.

One of the most difficult challenges which presented itself in the creative process was that of remaining objective to the intents of characters. If there has been any failure to present the historical characters as they actually were, I can assure you that it has not arisen from any wilful neglect, carelessness, or idleness on my part.

It was done completely deliberately: with the hope that this author might trust to their kind indulgence for any forgiveness forthcoming should ever we meet on some distant plane. Drawing upon my own family as inspiration, my ancestors are portrayed as incarnations of those whom I have known during my lifetime. Any indictment of their true character will be a matter of their own defence should the need ever arise.

This being said, it remains the author’s great privilege to proudly claim a genealogy rife with ancestors with great accomplishments and even greater disappointments: a spurious heritage that, after much thought, will probably be better off to mercifully end with the author. Still, I would proudly stand beside a parentage which bears the odd stain rather than remain with those who have deliberately elected to unceremoniously cast their ancestry away.

Though the one single goal of my entire life is to be acknowledged by the nation of my birth; and by all accounts, it appears that I shall fall far short of my forefathers who were accounted Kings, Earls, and received their knighthoods for, seemingly, far less than I have ever done—nevertheless, at all times and in every season, it is with great delight and honour that I am and will forever be proud to call myself a son of Britain.

W B Baker MBE

Maps

English, Welsh, and Scottish readers may find themselves at a distinct advantage—being quite familiar with the topography and terrain of England and Wales. It would; however, be entirely sensible to include illustrations of the region of the New Forest in Hampshire, the western counties of England and their castles for those poor individuals who had the misfortune to be born outside Britain.

These illustrations should allow readers an opportunity to recognise the importance of the territory during the period immediately after the Norman Invasion in 1066. For this very reason, customized illustrations have been included to reveal not only the boundaries of the counties, but many of the locations of castles throughout England and Wales that are specifically mentioned within the text.

Map One

Map of Medieval Britain

Map Two

Map of Medieval Wales

Illustrating Boundaries Of

Later Welsh Kingdoms

Map Three

Map of County Gwent

Map Four

Map of New Forest

Region of Stoney Cross

And Minstead

Image%201.jpgImage%202.jpgImage%203.jpgImage%204.tif

Author’s

Introduction

Londinium.

Having already stood well over a thousand years, the tiny medieval town had survived the onslaught of envious invaders from almost every island and nation of the time. The Vikings, Romans, Angles, Saxons, Jutes, and Normans all had left their footprints there in the mud of the ever-rolling river Thames.

Undeterred even now, tiny swells and rivulets slapped against the timeless stones; like neighbours passing by night: who might hold up a hand in acknowledgment or salutation—then pass on about their business without sharing a word. Torches flickered across its rippled surface throughout the night; casting a sheen which neatly concealed whatever might silently drift by beneath its surface past the muddy banks of London town.

Certainly, thousands of bodies and countless decades of ambition had floated by its cottages on their way out to the ageless sea.

Before the legions of Rome arrived, the entire area was little more than lightly rolling meadows: Londinium being fabricated and fortified by the Italians due simply to the fact that it was one of the few places where the river Thames was narrow enough to construct a bridge and, at the same time, deep enough to serve as a functional harbour. Nor were the Romans particularly interested in the location as a stronghold; its site and situation proving far more appealing for commerce and trade than for fortification. As a result, only a small fort guarded the northern bank of the bridge across the Thames: troops delegated there only to insure trade might proceed with as little interruption as possible. Indeed, the entire settlement covered little more than three hundred and fifty acres.

Hardly a decade after originally founded by Emperor Claudius, the settlement was burned to the ground by Boudica, warrior Queen of the Iceni; only to be re-built within the next ten years by Roman forces. London quickly developed into Italy’s capital of their island frontier, replacing Colchester as the major city of the then Emperor Hadrian. By the second century, the London Wall had been erected in defence of future attacks: standing some eighteen to twenty feet high, the better part of ten feet thick, and running around the settlement for the better part of three miles. Along with the paved roads, this barricade would delineate the perimeter of London until well after the Saxon occupation and later Norman invasions.

With his victory at the Battle of Hastings, William, Duke of Normandy, marched upon London and glimpsed the original Palace of Westminster. Along with the other major construction projects that had been initiated by King Harold’s predecessor, Edward the Confessor; the Norman conqueror recognised the location’s strategic importance as well and, in 1078, began construction of the Tower of London. Protected by the existing Roman wall on three sides and the river Thames on the south, the palace was erected adjoining the south-east corner of the already substantial fortification. The entire castle was then surrounded by a timber palisade and accompanying ditch (commonly referred to as a motte and bailey construction) to dissuade retribution from the still all too hostile Saxon population.

In the two decades between 1066 and 1087, William of Normandy established thirty-six castles; though his Barons and undesirable French Lords found it necessary to erect many more to hold the indigenous population at bay. In what has been described as probably the most extensive and concentrated programme of castle building in the entire history of feudal Europe, the palace of the White Tower and its many siblings spread across the hills of England could only, at most, hope to defend tiny footholds of French occupation against the hatred of the Saxons.

The greatest threat to William the Conqueror and his island empire could never be frustrated or thwarted by mere walls of stone. As in every pride of lions, the most formidable attack upon one’s life and legacy is frequently sprung against a dynasty from within: often from the very litter that share the King’s bread, if not his bed.

* * * * * * *

Image%205.jpg

Prologue

The quarrel and reviving chase led the combatants through dense ribbons