All of those accounts resembled each other more than I thought they would. I somehow thought each person would have his own account, perhaps with himself as the hero at the centre of the story, but no. Such convergence must be very satisfying for a historian...and for anyone else who sometimes worries that history might be just a lot of Just So stories.
Ha, yes, I was surprised by how close they were in general – though Grim seems to have rather dramatised his own role (notwithstanding his bravery, of course). And they vary a bit about who struck which blow when, which isn't surprising in a terrifying and confusing situation.
This is fascinating, and useful to get some of the various accounts all in one place. If it's of any interest, I wrote a piece on Becket here; there are a few more related posts if you dig around a bit... https://branchlines.org/2023/11/29/the-currency-of-love/ Wishing you well with the walk.
Ooh, thanks Jim. I'll read that tonight. And just seen The Shrine Way at your website – interesting! (I am very doggedly doing Watling Street all the way down the grim A2 instead of the much nicer PW!)
All of those accounts resembled each other more than I thought they would. I somehow thought each person would have his own account, perhaps with himself as the hero at the centre of the story, but no. Such convergence must be very satisfying for a historian...and for anyone else who sometimes worries that history might be just a lot of Just So stories.
Ha, yes, I was surprised by how close they were in general – though Grim seems to have rather dramatised his own role (notwithstanding his bravery, of course). And they vary a bit about who struck which blow when, which isn't surprising in a terrifying and confusing situation.
I am standing by. Have a great weekend
Living so close to Canterbury , I do love a good TB article. Thankyou
Thanks! Another one coming in two weeks, once my own Canterbury tale is over.
This is fascinating, and useful to get some of the various accounts all in one place. If it's of any interest, I wrote a piece on Becket here; there are a few more related posts if you dig around a bit... https://branchlines.org/2023/11/29/the-currency-of-love/ Wishing you well with the walk.
Ooh, thanks Jim. I'll read that tonight. And just seen The Shrine Way at your website – interesting! (I am very doggedly doing Watling Street all the way down the grim A2 instead of the much nicer PW!)
Yes, well, I can't help but wonder what Watling Street was like back in the day - fair play for braving it!