What It Tells Us
Anglo/Saxon Society William of Poitiers details the life of Duke William. Nonetheless, there are a few insights into pre-Conquest Anglo-Saxon society. For example, William of Poitiers reports that a Danish raiding party returned from England with ‘great booty’. Furthermore, Harold is said to have had ‘abundant treasure with which to tempt dukes’. (ii. 4) This may explain the numerous attacks England suffered during the 10th - early 11th century. William of Poitiers believed that the pre-Conquest English ‘all showed love of their country’, suggesting some sort of national identity that was lacking in Normandy.
Norman Society William of Poitiers provides a picture of Norman France prior to 1066. The various rebellions Duke William faced in his early reign are detailed in what was a fractured Duchy. The local Norman lords constantly waging private wars contrasts with the relatively stable Anglo-Saxon Kingdom across the Channel. The domestic turbulence forced Duke William to confront and subdue his nobility, sometimes by co-operation than coertion; for example, despite revolting against Duke William, the Gesta Guillemi states that Guy of Burgundy was allowed to remain in his court. William of Poitiers shows that the Norman castle was an important element of society. An effective Duke could use them as strategic power bases, stamping their authority on the rural Duchy; however, a castle could also be a rallying point for rebellious nobles. William of Poitiers reports many a ducal siege as a result.
Medieval Literary Tradition As a eulogising text, William of Poitiers’s history constantly highlights William’s admirable qualities, for example that the Duke ‘excelled in intelligence, assiduity, and strength'. For William of Poitiers, Duke William embodies the perfect ideals of knighthood, as illustrated by improbable stories scattered through his history; for example he states that William, with 50 of his knights, fought and bested and force of 1000. This represents a clear exaggeration. William of Poitiers also relates Duke William’s exploits to those of the Greek and Roman world. For example, there is a lengthy comparison between William and Caesar’s conquest of Britain. Not only was this done to flatter Duke William but also shows William of Poitiers' own knowledge.
The Battle of Hastings The Gesta Guillelmi provides the traditional narrative of the Battle of Hastings. William of Poitiers gives detailed descriptions of the composition of both the Norman and Anglo Saxon armies. Furthermore, he describes the famous 'feigned flight' manoeuvre.
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