I see this last Saturday was the 940th anniversary of the Battle of Hastings. (link with picture goodness). I note it because this is one those actually remembered battles (as opposed to all those we don't remember) that had deep, significant consequences that reach down even today.

Nice try, King Harold. You almost pulled it off.

Style points to Ivo Taillefer: A Norman knight (and perhaps minstrel) who begged Duke William to lead the first charge, and did it singing Songs of Roland:

Taillefer, who sang right well,
Upon a swift horse
Sang before the Duke
Of Charlemagne and of Roland
And of Oliver and their vassals
That died at Roncesvalles.


He apparently was killed, but we'll remember him too. Which I suppose, is as it should be.

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