Wulf the Saxon

Wulf the Saxon

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Title: Wulf the Saxon A Story of the Norman Conquest
Author: G. A. Henty
Release Date: August, 2005 [EBook #8745] [Yes, we are more than
one year ahead of schedule] [This file was first posted on August 9,
2003]
Edition: 10

Language: English
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*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK WULF THE
SAXON ***

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WULF THE SAXON
A Story of the Norman Conquest
By G. A. HENTY

PREFACE.
Although the immediate results of the Battle of Hastings may have
been of less importance to the world than were those of some other
great battles, the struggle has, in the long run, had a greater influence
upon the destiny of mankind than any other similar event that has ever
taken place. That admixture of Saxon, Danish, and British races which
had come to be known under the general name of English, was in most
respects far behind the rest of Europe. The island was, as it had always
been,--except during the rule of two or three exceptionally strong
kings,--distracted by internal dissensions. Broad lines of division still
separated the North from the South, and under weak Kings the
powerful Earls became almost independent. The enterprise that had
distinguished their Saxon and Danish ancestors seems to have died out.
There was a general indisposition to change, and except in her
ecclesiastical buildings, England made but little progress in civilization
from the time of Alfred to that of Harold. Its insular position cut it off
from taking part in that rapid advance which, beginning in Italy, was
extending throughout Europe. The arrival, however, of the impetuous
Norman race, securing as it did a close connection with the Continent,
quickened the intellect of the people, raised their intelligence, was of
inestimable benefit to the English, and played a most important part in
raising England among the nations. Moreover, it has helped to produce
the race that has peopled Northern America, Australia, and the south of

Africa, holds possession of India, and stands forth as the greatest
civilizer in the world. The Conquest of England by the Normans was
achieved without even a shadow of right or justice. It was at the time an
unmixed curse to England; but now we can recognize the enormous
benefits that accrued when in his turn the Englishman conquered the
Norman, and the foreign invaders became an integral portion of the
people they had overcome. For the historical details of the story, I have
only had to go to Freeman's magnificent History of the Norman
Conquest of England, which I hope will be perused by all of my readers
who are able to obtain it.
G. A. HENTY

CONTENTS.
CHAP.
I. A QUARREL
II. COUNTRY LIFE
III. AT COURT
IV. A STORM
V. ROUEN
VI. RELEASE OF THE EARL
VII. THE OATH
VIII. TROUBLE WITH WALES
IX. IN THE WELSH VALLEYS
X. PORTHWYN
XI. THE SECRET PASSAGE
XII. EDITH
XIII. HAROLD, THE KING
XIV. WULF'S SUSPICIONS
XV. A MEETING BY THE RIVER
XVI. A VOYAGE NORTH
XVII. AN ATTEMPT AT ASSASSINATION
XVIII. THE NORTHERN INVASION
XIX. STAMFORD BRIDGE
XX. THE LANDING OF THE FOE
XXI. HASTINGS
XXII. THE LORD OF BRAMBER
ILLUSTRATIONS

THE LAST STAND AT HASTINGS
THE YOUNG THANE COMES BACK TO STEYNING
WULF AND HIS FOLLOWERS STORM LLEWELLYN'S
STRONGHOLD
WULF LEAPT FORWARD AND CAUGHT THE UPLIFTED
WRIST
WULF THE SAXON.

CHAPTER I.
A QUARREL.
The great Abbey of Westminster was approaching its completion; an
army of masons and labourers swarmed like bees upon and around it,
and although differing widely in its massive architecture, with round
Saxon windows and arches, from the edifice that was two or three
generations later to be reared in its place,--to serve as a still more fitting
tomb for the ashes of its pious founder,--it