The Challenges of a King, page 29
‘He is no longer an earl,’ said Robert, ‘as well you know. He is nothing more than an outlaw and should be hanged as such.’
‘My apologies,’ said Stigand, ‘old habits die hard.’
The king sighed and dropped into his seat.
‘I am willing to meet him, Bishop Stigand, and I am happy to guarantee his safety, but what can I say or do to prove my pledge?’
‘There is one thing, your grace,’ said Stigand, ‘and that is to swear upon the Holy Bible in the presence of witnesses. If you do that, then I will be happy to assure Godwin that he is safe.’
‘You ask too much,’ snarled Robert. ‘The word of a king is enough, and no man may demand more.’
‘I am only trying to help,’ said Stigand. ‘With so much at stake, perhaps it is a small gesture to make, especially if the vow is true.’
‘Someone bring me a bible,’ said Edward from his chair.
‘Your grace,’ said Robert, ‘do not demean yourself by bowing to Godwin’s whim. Who is the king here, you or him?’
‘You heard what I said,’ repeated Edward, ‘I want a bible brought here right now. I tire of all this and would bring it to an end.’ He looked up at Stigand. ‘You will have your vow, Bishop Stigand, but this is his last chance. Either he comes here by the next tide, or he and his men will be at war with England itself, no matter the cost. Is that clear?’
‘It is, your grace,’ said Stigand. ‘Let us hope that God himself guides both your paths.’
Chapter Thirty-four
London, September, AD 1052
Godwin and Harold walked through the corridors of Havering Palace towards the king’s audience chamber. With them were Bishop Stigand and Osmund of London, along with an escort of twenty of King Edward’s best men.
Once Stigand had reported that Edward had sworn upon a bible that there would be no attempt on his life, Godwin had accepted the invitation and had wasted no time in making the crossing in one of his ships.
But now, as the moment approached, he was having doubts as to the wisdom of his decision and knew that whatever happened in the next few hours, his fate would be decided one way or another. Finally, they arrived at the main doors and, as two servants pulled them open, he could see the hall was lined with many lords and thegns known to be loyal to Edward. Undaunted, he walked through them to the front of the hall and bowed deeply before the king as the door slammed shut behind him.
‘Godwin of Wessex,’ said Edward with a deep sigh. ‘It has been a long road, but at last, you have your wish to stand before me amid a group of your peers. Perhaps now we can get to the bottom of this matter.’
Godwin looked around him. Among those present were many important men, but there were no earls, so it could hardly be called a gathering of peers. Nevertheless, he decided to ignore the situation and take advantage of actually being able to voice his concerns.
‘Your grace,’ he said, finally turning to face the king, ‘you have my gratitude for agreeing to this audience, and whilst it is a difficult situation for all of us, I can assure you that my thoughts here are only for the future of England itself.’
‘We will see,’ said the king. ‘Let us get down to business. First of all, I hear that you wish to press your family’s right to reinstatement due to the fact that you were treated unjustly after the confrontation in Dover. Is that correct?’
‘No, your grace,’ said Godwin, ‘it is not.’
Everyone around him, including Stigand and Harold, turned to stare in shock as a murmur of surprise rippled around the room. It was the last thing anyone had expected him to say.
‘I do not understand,’ said the king eventually, ‘surely that is why you are here?’
‘Originally, it was my only focus,’ said Godwin, ‘and there was never a moment when I was not planning on doing exactly that. But these past few months have opened my eyes to something far more important and far more sinister.’
‘And this is?’
‘Your grace, for months now, I have been sailing the coastline of England recruiting men. I admit my reasons were personal, and I thought it would be difficult to recruit such men. However, it soon became clear that I was wrong. Everywhere we went, from coastal villages to inland towns, men flocked to my banner, each happy to pledge allegiance. From lords to peasants, the mood was sour, and I recruited far more than I imagined, men who now wait impatiently across the river to see the outcome of this meeting.’
‘You say the mood was sour,’ said Edward, ‘to whom?’
‘To the throne, your grace,’ said Godwin, again to gasps from the gathered men. ‘They see your kingship as weak and fear their lives are at risk from men across the sea.’
‘Treachery,’ shouted a voice. ‘Cut him down.’
Before anyone could move, the king held up his hand.
‘Listen to me,’ Edward shouted, ‘I gave this man my word before God that as long as he is here, his safety is not in doubt. Any man drawing a blade to Godwin or any of his entourage will be taken outside and executed without trial. Is that clear?’
A few men murmured a response, but Edward was not happy.
‘I said, is that clear?’ he shouted.
‘Aye,’ they replied in unison, and Edward turned back to face Godwin.
‘My apologies,’ he said, ‘that will not happen again. Now, Godwin of Wessex, explain exactly why there is so much ill-feeling towards me.’
‘Your grace,’ said Godwin, ‘it is not against you directly but against the power of the throne.’
‘Which by implication means me,’ replied Edward.
‘To some extent, perhaps, but even if you were to stand down, which I am not suggesting, there is a feeling that it would be too little too late, and eventually there would be a reckoning.’
‘But why? Am I not a just king?’
‘That is for God to judge, your grace, not I, but our people are not blind, especially those who trade with the French and the Normans. Not a day goes by when those who work in the docks and on the ships do not hear tales of strong lords across the sea, each coveting the throne of England. Ordinarily, they would pay no heed to such boastfulness, but lately, it has become apparent that we offer succour and favour to those we once called enemy.’
‘I know not what you are talking about,’ said the king. ‘I do no such thing.’
‘You may not,’ said Godwin, ‘but look around you. How many of your court are English born? Most are Norman, French or Flemish, from lords to pot washers. The palace is being invaded, your grace, one person at a time.’
‘I have no direct input into who is engaged,’ said Edward. ‘The matter is dealt with by those who run my household.’
‘I understand that,’ said Godwin, ‘but you only need one man in a position of power to start the process, and those decisions trickle downwards and outwards. Soon men of all stations are replaced, and before you know it, your court is full of people with allegiances elsewhere.’
‘What are you saying,’ said the king, ‘that there is a traitor at court?’
‘The term traitor depends on who the person vows allegiance to in the first place,’ said Godwin. ‘If his alliance lies with Normandy, then he is loyal, just not to you.’
‘And you know of such a man?’
‘Aye, your grace,’ said Godwin, ‘and I am happy to accuse him in front of all these good men.’ He turned around and pointed straight at the archbishop. ‘That man, your grace, has plotted against England since the day he first landed on the shores of England. Remove him and those in his service, and I swear I can turn Wessex back into the loyal earldom it once was. Fail to do so, and I cannot be held responsible for what comes next.’
The mood in the hall changed yet again, with murmurings of agreement and dissent from both sides. Archbishop Robert’s face was red with rage, and it was all he could do to contain his outburst, yet he had one more significant development to deploy in his case against Godwin.
Edward held up his hand for silence before turning to face the archbishop.
‘Reverend Father Robert,’ the king said, ‘this man has laid a great accusation at your feet. My instinct is to immediately dismiss it out of hand, but I promised him a fair hearing. If this is one of his main complaints, I am duty-bound to ask you to respond.’
‘Your grace,’ said the archbishop eventually, ‘it will be no surprise that I refute all such charges, and to be honest, I find it absurd that I stand here answering the accusations of an outlaw. He and his family have caused nothing but trouble since your coronation and indeed before that date. Can I remind you and everyone here that it was Godwin who arranged the death of your brother when he was next in line to the throne? It was he that raised an army and sent it to Gloucester to try and force you into an agreement. It is his son, Sweyn Godwinson, who kidnapped and raped an abbess before murdering his cousin in cold blood just to get his lands. Even his daughter, Ealdgyth, has failed you by not producing an heir. The whole family is like an anchor around your neck, yet somehow it is I who stands accused of treachery.’
Robert turned to face Godwin and Harold. ‘It is obvious what is happening here – you are using the strength of your army across the river to force yourself back into the king’s favour. Well, it will not happen, outlaw, for we have seen through your ruse and are now able to face force with force.’ He nodded to one of the servants at the end of the room, who immediately turned to open the doors.
Everyone turned to see who entered, and gasps of astonishment rippled around the room as both Earls Siward and Leofric walked in, their garb still dusty from the hard ride south. Both men walked up to bow before the king as the archbishop watched on, a satisfied smile playing about his mouth.
‘Earl Siward,’ said Edward, ‘Earl Leofric, you have arrived. We did not expect you until tomorrow at the earliest.’
‘We rode through the night, your grace,’ said Siward, ‘at the behest of the archbishop. He sent a message yesterday saying our presence is urgently required and that your life may be in danger.’
Edward turned to face the archbishop.
‘Do you think my life is in danger from just two men in front of all my court?’
‘Perhaps not here,’ said Robert, ‘but his army stands ready to fight just across the river. With the northern armies now camped on our doorstep, Godwin’s dominance has been negated, and we can treat him as the outlaw that he is.’
‘If something happens to my father,’ said Harold, ‘all England will know that the king went back on his word, and our men will tear down these very walls.’
‘And there it is,’ said the archbishop, ‘the threat that we all know has been simmering just beneath the surface.’ He turned to face the room. ‘You all heard Harold Godwinson threaten the king, every man here is a witness.’
‘It was a threat of retribution,’ said Bishop Stigand from the side, ‘only issued as a counter to any broken vow issued to God himself. We all know the king would not break that vow, so it is not even worth listening to.’
‘We also all know on which side of the argument you stand, Bishop Stigand,’ said the archbishop. ‘Your name should be Godwinson, so strong is your allegiance.’
‘I have served four kings, including King Edward,’ said Stigand, ‘and stay neutral in all affairs.’
Robert of Jumièges turned away in disgust, deciding that when the situation had been dealt with, he would write to Rome and have Stigand stripped of all his offices. ‘The bishop clouds the issue,’ he said, ‘but nevertheless, the truth lies before us. Godwin and his family are still outlawed and have once again raised an army against you. He came here thinking he could strong-arm the throne into reinstating him to his old earldom, and indeed that might have been successful, but now, with the arrival of the northern armies, that threat no longer exists. I urge you, your grace, if you are not going to punish him here and now, at least make it clear that his race is run and he will face your wrath.’
The room fell silent as all eyes turned to Godwin.
‘Your grace,’ said Godwin, ‘may I address Earls Siward and Leofric?’
‘You may,’ said the king.
Godwin turned to face the two newcomers.
‘My lord Siward,’ said Godwin, acknowledging that, at least for the time being, Siward outranked him. ‘Is it true that you have your army with you?’
‘It is,’ said Siward, ‘almost five thousand men-at-arms and a thousand lancers.’
‘And you, Lord Leofric?’
‘About the same,’ said Leofric.
‘That makes around ten thousand,’ said Godwin, ‘and with those that the king already commands in London, a total in excess of twelve thousand of England’s best men. In return, I have around five thousand. I think it is safe to say that should it come to a fight, I would lose. Do you agree?’
‘I do,’ said Siward.
‘But that will not happen, will it?’ asked Godwin.
‘It will not.’
‘Can you tell the court why?’
‘Because we have not come to fight you,’ said Siward, turning slowly to face the king, ‘we came to join you.’
A gasp of astonishment echoed around the room, and Edward got to his feet in anger.
‘What,’ he gasped, ‘you come here to oppose your king? That is just as treacherous as the charges laid before Godwin.’
‘We have not come here to oppose you, your grace, but we will not wage war on a fellow countryman whose only concern is to protect England from those who would do us ill. Earl Godwin is a good man, and in my view, has been poorly treated. However, whether you reinstate him or not is not of my concern. I have only come here to see we do not end up with a situation where brother kills brother.’
‘So if I attack Godwin’s army, you will not fight with us?’
‘We will not, but if your life is at risk, we will protect you.’
‘This is absurd,’ gasped the archbishop, ‘you are the king’s men and have a duty to fight on his side.’
‘And we will, if necessary,’ said Siward, ‘but only to protect his life. Otherwise, my men and those of Earl Leofric are neutral in this matter.’
The king sat down, totally bemused. It was a stalemate, and he knew not what to do. Beside him, Robert of Jumièges was still seething, and he knew his argument was rapidly losing strength. Finally, he took a deep breath and turned to face Edward.
‘Your grace,’ he said, ‘never in my life have I witnessed such a situation. Within this very hall, you have an outlaw who has threatened you on more than one occasion and two more earls who refuse to carry out their sacred duty. Yet still, you hesitate to do what has to be done. However, there is one more piece of evidence I need to present, a witness so powerful that you will demand that Godwin is hanged from the city gates immediately.’
‘And who is this witness?’ asked the king.
‘Alas, I know not his name, but he appeared before me only last night with a testimony against Godwin so grievous it will turn your blood cold.’
‘Where is he?’ asked the king. ‘Send for him immediately.’
‘He is not far from here,’ said the archbishop, ‘but he is so scared of retribution that if he sees anyone but me approach, he will disappear like a frightened bird. If we can adjourn this audience temporarily, I will bring him here to testify.’
‘What charge does this man make against me?’ asked Godwin.
‘You will find out soon enough,’ said the archbishop. ‘Until then, I recommend that you are kept under guard lest you choose to flee.’
‘My conscience is clear, Robert of Jumièges,’ said Godwin, ‘there will be no flight from me. Bring your witness so we can prove both he and you are the liars we know you to be.’
The archbishop ignored the insult and turned to the king.
‘Your grace, do I have your permission to leave?’
‘You do,’ said the king. ‘Be back here by nightfall with your witness. If you are not, I will have no other option but to dismiss all accusations against Godwin of Wessex.’
‘Thank you, your grace,’ said the archbishop, turning away to leave the hall by a side door.
‘The rest of you can return to your business,’ said the king. ‘Only the nobles need return at dusk to witness my judgement.’ He turned to face Godwin and Harold. ‘You are under no obligation to stay,’ he said, ‘but I would appreciate it if you would, if only to demonstrate the continued trust demonstrated here today.’
‘We will happily stay,’ said Godwin. ‘This situation needs to be resolved once and for all.’
‘Good. Bishop Stigand will ensure you are well looked after.’ He got to his feet, and as the rest of the court left the hall, he followed the archbishop out through the side door.
‘What did you make of that?’ asked Harold as Bishop Stigand walked over to join them.
‘I know not,’ said Godwin. ‘For the life of me, I cannot think of anything I have done that would demand the retribution the archbishop demands.’
‘Perhaps he is lying,’ said Harold.
‘Oh, he is definitely up to something,’ said Stigand, ‘I just cannot fathom what it may be.’
‘Well, we’ll find out soon enough,’ said Godwin. ‘In the meantime, could we get something to eat?’
‘Follow me,’ said Stigand, and the three men followed the rest of the audience from the hall.
Chapter Thirty-five
London, September, AD 1052
Several hours later, Godwin, Harold and Stigand walked back into the hall. This time there were just a few dozen men present, but amongst them were Earls Leofric and Siward. The night was drawing in, and the hall had been illuminated by hundreds of candles, casting dancing shadows upon the walls.
The mood was muted, yet there was an anxious feeling in the air. Everyone present had been more than aware of what had happened over the preceding few years and knew that it all had to come to an end, for the sake of England and of unity.
The side door opened, and everyone bowed as the king entered and took his place on the throne. He looked around, seeking the archbishop, but he was nowhere to be seen.
