Reprinted from the edition of 1854, London First AMS EDITION published 1968 Library of Congress Catalogue Card Number: 68-57872 AMS PRESS, INC. THE ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY OF ORDERICUS VITALIS. BOOK IV. CH. I. The Conqueror founds two abbeys at Caen, and Battle abbey-Restores order in England-The great English nobles submit-Aggrandizes his Norman followers. IN the time of Pope Alexander II.,' many states throughout the world were a prey to severe calamities; the nations plunging into furious contests to their mutual ruin. This was particularly the case with the western states, which suffered great disasters. On the death of those excellent kings, Henry of France, and Edward of England, the French and English had long reason to lament their loss, as the princes who succeeded were little like them for virtue and gentleness of disposition. When these fathers of their country were removed, they were followed by tyrants who abused the royal authority. England, stained by the cruelties and perjury of Harold, fell to decay, and deprived of its race of native kings, became a prey to foreign adventurers, the adherents of William the Conqueror, presenting a melancholy subject for the pen of the feeling historian. Writers of learning and eloquence found ample materials for several works, having lived for many years at the court of King William, and had opportunities of observing all he did, and the varied and illustrious events of his reign; they were privy to his most secret counsels, and by his muni1 September 30, 1061-April 20, 1073. |