Comments on: Norman Conquest and Consequences http://socyberty.com/history/norman-conquest-and-consequences/ Thu, 31 May 2012 19:10:15 -0400 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.4 hourly 1 By: S.Y. Lee http://socyberty.com/history/norman-conquest-and-consequences/comment-page-1/#comment-683932 S.Y. Lee Wed, 12 Oct 2011 00:25:11 +0000 http://socyberty.com/history/norman-conquest-and-consequences/#comment-683932 As a tertiary student in English history, I must protest the objectivity of this article. There are far too many generalizations (such as, I quote, "Poetry and literature were scorned as “priestly” pastimes"); and the authenticity of several statements in here is rather suspect. In fact, if we were to refer to several credible sources for the aforementioned example (like the writings of historians Baugh, Freeman, Holzkneckt and Shelly), one could even argue that the literary movement had persisted, healthy and strong; into the Middle Ages. What had changed was the introduction of vast quantities of French literature; which was only natural in that the royal patrons of poets and their ilk were now of Norman heritage. That there were notable works from these times, including Samson de Nanteuil's "Proverbs of Solomon", Henry II Wace's "Roman de Brut" and "Roman de Rou", should be enough proof. I will not contest the presence of negative consequences amongst the conquest's effects. Like any other forcible takeover of a nation observed in the past, it brought about much bloodshed, turmoil and suffering; especially through the atrocities committed in the Harrying of the North, the like of which is seldom witnessed even in the war-riddled history of England. However, the fact remains that it should be the interest of any ethical site dedicated to public enlightenment to refrain from projecting personal sentiments upon their contributions, whatever the subject; lest it risks compromising its reputation. As a tertiary student in English history, I must protest the objectivity of this article. There are far too many generalizations (such as, I quote, “Poetry and literature were scorned as “priestly” pastimes”); and the authenticity of several statements in here is rather suspect. In fact, if we were to refer to several credible sources for the aforementioned example (like the writings of historians Baugh, Freeman, Holzkneckt and Shelly), one could even argue that the literary movement had persisted, healthy and strong; into the Middle Ages. What had changed was the introduction of vast quantities of French literature; which was only natural in that the royal patrons of poets and their ilk were now of Norman heritage. That there were notable works from these times, including Samson de Nanteuil’s “Proverbs of Solomon”, Henry II Wace’s “Roman de Brut” and “Roman de Rou”, should be enough proof.

I will not contest the presence of negative consequences amongst the conquest’s effects. Like any other forcible takeover of a nation observed in the past, it brought about much bloodshed, turmoil and suffering; especially through the atrocities committed in the Harrying of the North, the like of which is seldom witnessed even in the war-riddled history of England. However, the fact remains that it should be the interest of any ethical site dedicated to public enlightenment to refrain from projecting personal sentiments upon their contributions, whatever the subject; lest it risks compromising its reputation.

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