Like Vultures!

[Valdemar II]

I will only ask you for one thing; no colonisation of America before at earliest the 15th century, it's such a cliché with early discovery and colonisation of the Americas in every North European TL with a POD in the 9-11th century..

 

[arctic warrior]

I will only ask you for one thing; no colonisation of America before at earliest the 15th century, it's such a cliché with early discovery and colonisation of the Americas in every North European TL with a POD in the 9-11th century..

Now please my good fellow countryman - I wouldn't dream of that
Even if some stories of Vinland just might filter through to the English/Danish court.

But perhaps a Pothorst-like expedition?

 

[arctic warrior]

[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]To battle! (1050)[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Edward managed to make his own situation untenable in 1050 by alienating himself from his Earls, still on the old quarrel with Godwin about Alfred's death. Godwin on the other hand complained about Edward's entourage of Norman nobility. Following a row with Edward stripping him of office Godwin, Harold and Edith went north to Svend's court.[/FONT]


[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]With Godwin and his family gone Edward gave offices to his Norman supporters. His reputation at the Ducal court of Normandy sank as he still hadn't begotten an heir and his wife had left him.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]But then Duke William came to regard these weaknesses of Edwards as a benefit to himself, he was related to Edward by his great-aunt Emma and thus had a claim to the English throne. William then increased his support of Edward to his own ultimate benefit.[/FONT]


[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]With the full support of Duke William Edward found the time ripe accusing Svend of housing traitors and gathered his supporters for attacking Svend. [/FONT]


[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Moving into Mercia in early October following harvest Svend had his Earls assemble their troops at Warwick and waited for Edward to arrive. At his arrival Edward demanded Earls Godwin and Harold as well as his wife handed over if not his wrath was to engulf Svend. Svend rejected Edwards demands and fighting began. [/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]As Svend realized the battle didn't go his way he summoned the retreat and left the field to Edward. The timely withdrawal kept his army intact and the support of his Earls. He moved north into Danish Five Boroughs to Lincoln.[/FONT]


[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]One thing that made Svend reflect was the small unit of Norman cavalry accompanying Edward and how it had been able to rout some light infantry by its charge. On the other hand Danish archers had been able to keep the cavalry off. When possible he would let Earl Siward train some cavalry of their own. [/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Riding to battle wasn't unknown to the Danes or Anglo-Saxons, Danes having used horse transport during the conquest of England and the commanders were horsed using saddle, stirrup and spurs and had been doing so for the past 400 years. It was just the combination of horse and fighting man that had been presented at Warwick. Of course it had been tried on the rare occasion but not on a greater scale and usually the Anglo-Saxon/Danish army would fight every man on foot.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]And he'd get some more archers for the next battle.[/FONT]


[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]With Edward once again catching up on Svend at Lincoln Svend was ready. Leaving command of the battle to Siward Svend had his army line up and gave their morale a boost by an inspired speech.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]With archers keeping the Norman cavalry off Siward was able to defeat Edward and was about to pursue him from the field when Svend intervened and halted him. The time was not yet ripe for another dead Anglo-Saxon King.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]In the first snow Siward followed Edward the next day. [/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]But there was to be no more fighting this year.[/FONT]


[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]To strengthen his position Harold Hardrada negotiate a marriage of Svend's daughter Ingrid to his son Olav Kyrre. The marriage is to take place when Ingrid come to adulthood in 1057. But Svend also demanded that the Danish bishops should be ordained by the Archbishop of York and that both Kings should write the Pope asking this favour. All to get the Norse lands off the hands of the Hamburg-Bremen Archbishop and the Emperor. Harold didn't mind this arrangement as he from his Byzantine experience had seen a subservient church and himself perceived religion to be a personal matter that he didn't care much for.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Having secured himself an ally against the Emperor Harold then continue his conquest of Sweden by attacking East Götaland.[/FONT]

 

[Faeelin]

Cool concept.

 

[arctic warrior]

Cool concept.

Thank you!

 

[Dathi THorfinnsson]

Is the Archbishopric at Nidaros (THrondheim) going to be butterflied out, or happen earlier or ...?

 

[arctic warrior]

Is the Archbishopric at Nidaros (THrondheim) going to be butterflied out, or happen earlier or ...?

Its not gonna be butterflied out.
Both Svend and Harold Hardrada have an interest in gaining the Popes fervour - but for different reasons.

Harold want to get rid of the Hamburg - Bremen see and establish his own, Svend want to control the Church in Denmark to keep influence.
For the time being Harold is to allow Svend the lead as it will secure his border with the HREGN.

 

[arctic warrior]

[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Negotiating followed by war, misery and triumph (1051-2)[/FONT]
“[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]1051”, the chroniclers wrote “a year of much negotiating followed by war, misery and triumph at last.” [/FONT]


[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Godwin managed to assemble a Witangemot without Edwards Norman supporters. The Witan agreed that the state of affairs of England was not the state they had in mind when deciding in 1048. Something needed to be done but the decision was drawn out. [/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]But in the end Godwin and the other Earls managed to have Svend recognized as the one capable of bringing back peace and prosperity to England. [/FONT]


[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]This was just what Svend had been waiting for, being asked to get rid of Edward. He at once had Earl Siward assemble the army and go hunt down Edward. Svend himself would command the naval force and raid Edwards coastal towns to distract his attention.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]To strengthen his naval force Svend sent skiald's to Denmark to encourage the adventurous to take part in his upcoming campaign. Only a few younger sons of Danish magnates showed up but on their own ships and in company of their Huscarls. A valuable addition to Svend's long range diversion.[/FONT]


[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Siward would be able to move out in late August which had Svend leave port in June to go Viking in southern England. This new threat was not without effect and Edward was forced to garrison his port towns and cities against Svend's raids. When Siward crossed into Wessex Svend stepped up his activities making for a drain on Edwards forces.[/FONT]


[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]When Siward met Edwards army at Oxford it was depleted due to coastal garrison. Siward defeated Edwards army and leaving the battlefield Edward was told of Svend's moving up the Thames approaching London. Being in a quandary of which course to follow Siward was able to catch up with Edward routing his army and taking prisoner a lot of Norman nobility as well as Edward himself.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Meeting Siward and being told of the good fortune of Edwards capture, Svend only said “rid me of him” and Siward understood what to do, but had Godwin do the job.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]The next day Londoners awoke the see Edwards head on a pole outside the city and the gates was opened to Svend and his army.[/FONT]


[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Duke William was much angered at the news but couldn't do anything about it – yet. Except send a messenger to the Emperor assuring him of friendship and another to his kin the Count Unfrid of Aversa in southern Italy.[/FONT]


[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]William also tried to get betrothed to Count Baldwin of Flanders daughter Matilda, but his scheme didn't work out even if the girl was interested.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Alliance was a much more important matter and little girls shouldn't dictate the future of the county. Much too much was at stake and besides Svend was a widower.[/FONT]


[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Having achieved his objective Svend began administering his Kingdom. The Danish raiders were paid off by their booty. A few had some misunderstandings about the pay and was duly reminded of the contract by being cut a head short.[/FONT]


[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Skiald's were sent to all parts of England to tell the common man of Svend's ascending the throne of England and that he would govern the country by good counsel and uphold the law, English and Danish as well. Anybody not adhering to law or paying tax would be dealt with swiftly and in accordance to law.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Skiald's were also sent to Svend's neighbouring Princes in Scotland and in Wales to inform them of the good tidings.[/FONT]


[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Next Svend set about throwing Edward's Norman followers out of England.[/FONT]


[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Become King of all of England Svend had a letter to the Pope Leo 9. written asking the favour of having the Church of Scandinavia put in the guidance of the Archbishop of York. The letter was written on the behalf of Svend, King of England, Harold, King of Norway and Denmark, Henry, King of France and Baldwin, Count of Flanders. In return for the favour Svend and the other Kings promised the Pope their support.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Svend didn't expect much at this time of the letter to the Pope as he was the instrument of the Emperor but on the other hand he would then have raised the issue with curia.[/FONT]


[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Having put his Kingdom in order Svend went to Jorvik to celebrate Christmas. In his entourage was Queen Emma, all the Earls of England, the Bishops and a large number of other nobility a among those a few Danes. The latter were especially burdened with gifts at their return journey in spring 1052.[/FONT]


[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]That year also saw the King of Leinster and of Wales Diarmiat conquering the Norwegian hold of Dublin.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]There was a brief season of Norwegian raids led by Harold Hardrada's oldest son Magnus but that was the only Norwegian response as Harold himself completed the conquest of East Götaland and the isles of the Baltic.[/FONT]

 

[Redbeard]

Very interesting - can't wait to see what happens!

Svend Estridson indeed does provide good genetic material for interesting events - keep it going

I'm especially interested in how "churchmatters" are solved, will be important for major cultural and political development in the following centuries.

Regards

Steffen Redbeard

 

[arctic warrior]

Very interesting - can't wait to see what happens!

Svend Estridson indeed does provide good genetic material for interesting events - keep it going

I'm especially interested in how "churchmatters" are solved, will be important for major cultural and political development in the following centuries.

Regards

Steffen Redbeard

Thanks mate.

I have come the conclusion that Svend is very underrated in Danish history - spawning off almost half a dozen kings, revitalizing the royal house!

Church matter are very important in years to come. As already pointed to Svend has an interest in getting in control of the Church in Denmark as he figuere this might make him in control of the country - and he helps Harold keep the Emperor at bay.

Harold on the other hand realize this but is going to get out of the grips by having his own see established at Nidaros.
No see is going to be at Lund TTL and no Archbishop of Denmark either!
At least not with the consent of either King!

 

[arctic warrior]

[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Defeat in the South (1053)[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]The battle of Monte Gargano/Civitate saw a turn in the politics of Europe. Pope Leo had been given an army by the Emperor with which to regain the south of Italy but the Normans lead by Count Unfrid had dealt the Papal force a death blow and even captured the Pope! [/FONT]


[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]This turn of events was to the joy of Svend and Count Baldwin as it neutralized part of their enemies and Duke Godfrey was able to carry on his rebellion. [/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Emperor Henry unleashed his fury on Duke William demanding his getting the Norman upstart to release his Pope that things could get back to normal. William knew he had no command of Count Unfrid and did nothing about it.[/FONT]


[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]King Henry of France found the time ripe for supporting the Count of Flanders his vassal – but in secrecy so as not to be drawn into the fighting which he didn't want to.[/FONT]


[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]But others wasn't afraid of openly supporting the Count of Flanders and his ally. Nobody was in doubt that Svend of England did actively support the Count as was the case of Harold Hardrada's indirect support by objecting to acknowledge the Hamburg – Bremen see supremacy of the Church in Scandinavia.[/FONT]


[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Putting his Kingdom in order also meant for Svend to do something about Welsh raids that had gathered momentum during the short civil war. Ordering Earl Leofric of Mercia to have those raids cease it was carried out. Even if the Welsh were good archers this was countered with Svend's Danish archers to suppress the Welsh. Then the English armoured cavalry moved in to rout the Welsh. Within a month Diarmiat caved in as the overlord of Wales and paid homage as well as tax to Svend.[/FONT]


[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]This year Earl Godwin drew his last breath. Sticking to family relations Svend had the vacant position as Earl of Wessex occupied by his brother Bjoern. Which proved to be a good choice in that Bjoern was a fine administrator.[/FONT]


[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Another to draw her last breath was Queen Emma. She was much mourned by Svend and his followers for she had been his ardent supporter until death. [/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]In a most splendid ceremony she was laid to rest in Winchester Cathedral in the shrine that already held the remains of her beloved husband King Cnut the Great. [/FONT]

 

[arctic warrior]

[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Annus horribilis! (1054)[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Pope Leo was only released to return to Rome on March 21. 1054 having signed a letter - a concession on the Count of Aversa rights to Apulia and Sicily.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Back in Rome Leo was asked by Constantin 9. Monomakos, Emperor of Byzantium to send an embassy to discuss the reunification of the Eastern and Western Churches. Negotiations went badly and in the end the Papal embassy and the Patriarch excommunicated each other. The Schism of the two Churches being effective.[/FONT]


[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]But not all was bad at least not to Svend and his party. Svend had Earl Siward interfere in Scotland bringing down Macbeth and putting Malcolm 3. on the throne of Scotland.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]And Duke Godfrey of Lorraine married the widow of Markgrave Boniface of Tuscany – Beatrix. The added resources only fuelled Godfrey's fight against the Emperor.[/FONT]


[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Finally King Henry of France showed an open hand in engaging himself in the strife by attacking Normandy. [/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Svend was immediately off into battle leading the navy himself raiding the Norman coastline. [/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Earl Harold Godwinson and an army part of it being the new English armoured cavalry already tested in Wales was shipped by Svend to Normandy.[/FONT]


[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]As Duke William was off in the south to fight King Henry Harold was barred by Bishop Odo of Bayeux west of Caen. Defeating Odo by use of infantry, archers and cavalry Harold was able to capture Odo and advance towards Bayeux.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Upon receiving the news of Odo's capture William called for negotiations with Henry, recognized being the Kings vassal and was released from the Kings attendance within a few days, few but enough to secure Harold's razing of Bayeux and taking Bishop Odo to England.[/FONT]


[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Pope Leo demanded the release of his Bishop but the letter didn't reach Winchester until following the death of the Pope.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]The new Pope Victor II was an ardent supporter of the Emperor and send a new letter demanding the release of Odo. [/FONT]


[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Svend spent the Christmas this year at the King of France negotiating a marriage of his son Svend, born 1040 to Emma when she would come of age, by 1070.[/FONT]

 

[arctic warrior]

[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Death of an heir (1055)[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]The year of death in England. [/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Early in the year the Kings first-born Svend died age 15 because of the pox. It was a blow to the King himself being fond of his children. Still at the French kings court his brother Asbjoern showed a rare spark of initiative and had the marriage arrangement of Svend and Emma changed to Ulf, born 1042 and Emma thus keeping the French alliance. Everybody in the English entourage was baffled by Asbjoern's swift action but greatly approved it.[/FONT]


[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Returning to England Svend negotiated the ransom of Odo with Williams embassy and the Bishop was returned.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]A letter to attest the return was sent to Pope Victor.[/FONT]


[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Earl Siward of Northumbria dies. He is succeeded on this important post by Earl Harold Godwinson. Harold's position as Earl of East Anglia was given to his brother Tostig to keep the Godwinson family, Svend's kin in close support of the Kingdom.[/FONT]


[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]The settling of Duke Godfrey of Lorraine in Tuscany spread the rebellion to the Kingdom of Italy forcing the Emperor to go there and settle matters through campaign. Beatrix and her daughter Richilda was captured by the Emperor but Godfrey managed to elude.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Going back to his supporter of Flanders Godfrey continued his struggle for Lorraine.[/FONT]

 

[arctic warrior]

[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Royal marriage (1056)[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]King Henry I of France meet Emperor Henry at Ivois discussing Lorraine. In a heated debate Henry challenged the Emperor to a duel but the Emperor refused.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Shortly following the meeting the Emperor died. His six year old son Henry would be guarded by Pope Victor and his mother.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]This was a gift to Duke Godfrey of Lorraine of peace and possible influence along with the other Dukes upon Government. In order to secure their support count Otto of Northeim is made Duke of Bavaria.[/FONT]


[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]As a result of their close alliance negotiations is initiated in which Count Baldwin of Flanders agree to give his daughter Matilda in marriage to Svend.[/FONT]


[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]The marriage was celebrated at Winchester. As with any other major family event of the day this was also a political event and thus Henry King of France, Harold King of Norway-Denmark and Göter and Malcolm King of the Scots are present. Not to rub anything in the face of the Empire or Church Duke Godfrey of Lorraine wasn't present at the wedding.[/FONT]


[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]The marriage of Svend and Matilda was to be a stormy affair not at least because of the Kings many mistresses and the resulting offspring but also because of Matilda still resenting her fathers not letting her marry Duke William of Normandy. But she was contend that she had married a King. Most befitting her ancestor Alfred the Great, King of England. So that tended to overshadow her resent.[/FONT]


[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]In spite of this Svend and Matilda managed to keep together for life. Not only did they have a stormy relationship but they indeed looked the odd couple Svend standing almost 2' taller.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]And they did manage to produce offspring a daughter, Estrid and a son, Baldwin. But this is a tale of things to come.[/FONT]

 

[arctic warrior]

[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Turn of the tide (1057)[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Pope Victor II staunch supporter of the Emperor died and in defiance of Empress Agnes the brother of Godfrey of Lorraine, Friedrich of Lorraine abbot of Monte Cassino is elected Pope naming himself Stephen IX. [/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]An ardent supporter of his older brother Stephen works to further Godfrey's cause; perhaps to become Emperor.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]The first step however is to unify man and wife, Godfrey of Lorraine with Beatrix.[/FONT]


[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]With the turn of the tide Svend write a letter to Pope Stephen asking, as in the former letter to Pope Leo 9. of 1051 the favour of having the Church of Scandinavia put in the guidance of the Archbishop of York.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Pope Stephen of course is very positive towards granting the favour, but at the curia things isn't done in a hurry and Svend is once more to wait. An ardent follower of the Church he is contend that things will eventually work out his way.[/FONT]


[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]As Svend's daughter Ingrid this year come of age she is given in marriage to Olav son of Harold Hardrada to cement the alliance of England and Norway for the future. [/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]And Svend's delight in his children is furthered by Queen Matilda giving birth to a healthy daughter named Estrid in reverence of her paternal grandmother.[/FONT]


[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Earl Leofric of Mercia dies and his office is given to prince Ulf who is to come of age the next year. Leofric's son Ælfgar was sent off to rule Kent; a position he resented but the Earls were behind the King in the matter. [/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]That was a concern of Svend. Having fathered quite a number of sons he had to prevent future civil wars over succession once he'd be gone. So the office of Earl had to be reserved for royalty as in the case of Ulf even if not of age yet, and its kin like Harold and Tostig. Harold and Tostig would understand this, then Tostig perhaps not but the Witangemot would. Nobody was interested in another civil war however short.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Alfgar certainly did not understand this, but succession is much more important than a disgruntled Earl.[/FONT]

 

[arctic warrior]

[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Strengthening the throne (1058-59)[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Pope Stephen dies. Grief in France, England, Norway, Flanders and Lorraine as the design of Godfrey of Lorraine as Emperor comes tumbling down.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]And the Bishop of Velletri was able to fight his way to the see bribing those bribe-able and making the rest flee Rome. And when on the see taking the name of Benedict 10.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Because of the death of Stephen and subsequent fighting, the asking of Svend is once again lost in the curia archives.[/FONT]


[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Hildebrand de Soana decide to fight Benedict 10 and secures the support of both Duke Godfrey of Lorraine-Tuscany and Empress Agnes of HREGN in this effort.[/FONT]


[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]As the Church seemed to be in conflict with itself and succeeded in getting both Empire and Duke Godfrey entangled in the mess there was other matters to be attended to by Svend. Those of the Kingdom.[/FONT]


[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]One was the matter of the Kings personal demesne. Never as large in England as in Denmark and for large part dependent upon fines.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]And in many ways the English society was much more regulated by law than Denmark making for much less room to manoeuvre in at least on the surface that is. So by and large it was the rule that the King could administer a lot as to his own design. [/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]In the Anglo-Saxon part of the country that is. The Danish part was somewhat different as the Danes had been exempt to a number of taxes since King Svend Tjugobeard had conquered England forty-five years ago.[/FONT]


[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Svend set his eyes on two areas, water and war. [/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]In Denmark the King was paid for peoples to fish in the waters or to navigate them. That should be doable in the Danish part of the Kingdom. [/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Following ancient Danish customs and building ferries and let peoples pay for their service as well as building harbours at places of trade to be used by merchants and building ships to carry trade; that was one idea to be pursued. [/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Of course ferries, ports and ships had to be protected by the King for people to realize their need to use them rather than those already existing.[/FONT]


[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]The other was that of the change of the army. There was already rules for defence of the land and the King could call up troops in times of need but Svend wanted something more. [/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Svend wanted the army to become an instrument of the King.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]In areas such as those bordering Wales and Scotland peoples were used to be called up to fend off invasion or raid and in times before every shore had been a possible landing area for Vikings.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Now times had changed but this might come in useful. [/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]To train the new army of cavalry and archers men had to be called up from time to time and the best way of training was battle.[/FONT]


[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]To lead the army and to cash in payment of ferries, ports and ships Earls would find their rightful place. [/FONT]


[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Svend put the water subject to work first. He simply ordered the building of new ferries and ports protected by the King accessible by a small fee. He also ordered ships to be built for carrying goods to especially Flanders but also Norway and Denmark so as to himself reap a benefit from trade. [/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]The Earls was told to supply the troops and collects fees on behalf of the King.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]In the Danish part of the Kingdom this new design was viewed as nothing out of the ordinary as everybody knew the stories of Denmark and its Kings. [/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]In the English part is was just seen as a new invention by the King. If it kept you free of robbers, then okay to pay a fee for Kings protection.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]But this new invention was mostly practised in the Danish part of the Kingdom.[/FONT]


[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]The army issue was solved in a most practical way. Earl Ælfgar had been dissatisfied ever since his being robbed of his inheritance as Earl of Mercia and now he allied with King Diarmiat and led a Welsh raid into Mercia.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Svend call up the Witagenmot requesting the call of all able men of Mercia and Wessex to teach the Welsh a lesson and deal with Ælfgar. The Kings request was granted, as everybody had assumed the Earl of Mercia would have taken on a punitive expedition and nobody suspected anything. [/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]As it was an insurrection of this kind could be quite dangerous to the Kingdom.[/FONT]


[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]The men of Mercia and Wessex were called up, the Huscarls of both Earldoms forming the core of the infantry and archers with the common men filling the ranks and the Thanes and Ceorls making up the cavalry.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]With the King himself in overall command but leaving the infantry and archers to Ulf and the cavalry to Bjoern the campaign was carried out.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]At last Diarmiat had had enough of his lands being pillaged by the superior English and agreed to hand over Ælfgar once more bow to Svend and pay tax but also cede some land along the Severn Estuary between rivers Monnow and Usk up to the Black Mountains. [/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]This land wasn't added to either neighbouring Earldom but kept as Kings land. The building of a few castles was initiated.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Ælfgar was dealt with in the manner most befitted for a traitor, beheaded of course.[/FONT]


[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]In Bagdad, the Caliphate the Seljug Turk Toghril Beg is proclaimed Sultan as well as King of the East and the West.[/FONT]


[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]At the turn of the year Svend felt quite comfortable.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Ulf having performed well in his first campaign and the Witagenmot applauding his actions – those requested of them that is.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]The first step had been taken to increase the Kings personal demesne and more would follow.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]If only some unrest in Scotland – that would come in handy.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]But for the time being his second son Thorgils was sent to govern his new lands in Wales and Ulf told to help his younger brother.[/FONT]


[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]One thing did worry Svend. During the campaign in Wales his brother Bjoern, Earl of Wessex had led the cavalry. As it was mostly an oversized raid and pillage it hadn't really caused any troubles but Bjoern was an administrator not a general.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Something had to be done about it and Tostig Godwinson was made Marshal – head of the cavalry. The man was utterly ruthless but that was needed in the position.[/FONT]


[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Hildebrand is able to have Pope Benedict 10 banned and Nicholas 2 is elected Pope by a conclave at Sutri. [/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Rome is taken by a force on loan from the Empire and Nicholas 2 instated on the Holy See.[/FONT]


[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Nicholas 2 is of French stock - Gerard de Bourgogne. Politically a supporter of the French – English – Norwegian alliance. [/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]He issue a decree following a synod at the Lateran stipulating the election of Popes by a Cardinal conclave. The Emperor is allowed some influence but the Church itself is to decide the matter. [/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]The hand of Hildebrand is felt behind the scene in this effort to wrest the choosing of the Pope from both the Roman nobility and the Emperor.[/FONT]


[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Nicholas also recognize the Norman conquest of Southern Italy on condition of their Duke Robert Guiscard recognizing the Pope as his liege lord, which he does.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]With this the worst teeth is drawn of the Normans in Italy.[/FONT]

 

[arctic warrior]

[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Heirs legitimate (1060)[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]A legitimate heir to the English throne is born. Queen Matilda deliver a son to be named Baldwin to honour his maternal grandfather. [/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Svend is enthralled. Another son and this time a legitimate one. [/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Not that he didn't care for his other sons – he did, but it was important in regard to the larger picture. Securing his dynasty with a legitimate line of offspring. Then his other sons would always be available should need arise. It had happened before – didn't he access the throne because of that. [/FONT]


[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Ancestry was good, legitimacy even better. Especially when dealing with the other houses of Europe and not just the North where any son be legitimate or not could take up his fathers legacy. [/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]And the Church. But he had always supported the Church and would continue to do so. And so would his sons.[/FONT]


[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Pope Nicholas hasn't been able to overrule the Hamburg – Bremen see in regard to the letters of King Svend. The Emperor or Empire is still a force to be reckoned with in ecclesiastical matters. But the Church is universal and in time it will convey his will on the matter. [/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]But perhaps it needed some helping? [/FONT]


[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]King Henry I of France drew his last breath. His heir Philip was only seven years old but his mother Queen Anne succeeded in having him crowned King of France. A guardianship of Philip is entrusted to his mother Queen Ann and the Count Baldwin of Flanders. With the backing of King Svend of England Duke William of Normandy is pacified for the time being.[/FONT]


[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Having been thwarted twice by King Svend in his rule William the Bastard looked for ways to improve his position. He needed to take steam out of Svend's advances if he was to gain the throne of England for himself. Unfortunately that didn't look likely to happen. [/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]The thrashing of Edward and now Earl Ælfgar had cemented Svend's position. Also his staunch support of the Pope helped making his position firm.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]William felt surrounded by Svend and his allies – France – Flanders and Lorraine. [/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]HREGN was a mess with the Dukes doing whatever they pleased, Empress Agnes and the guardianship having no say whatsoever so he was in need of allies.[/FONT]


[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Going overseas to Italy wasn't an option at the time as danger lurked close to home. If he left he might face invasion once again and this time perhaps not being able to fight it off.[/FONT]


[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]But with the minor King of France in guardianship the throne might be in for a challenge and William took it. Better to attack than await one![/FONT]


[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]At first he allied himself with the Duke of Bourgogne, Robert brother of the deceased King Henry by getting married to his daughter Constance.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Then he allied himself to Norway by luring King Harold Hardrada into old Viking ways by promise of great booty if he joined the Duke in the struggle for the French throne.[/FONT]


[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]With the French nobility ready to go to war against anybody to further their own objectives the throne should not be that difficult to obtain. Even if Svend joined forces with the guardianship.[/FONT]


[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Duke William challenged the guardianship of Philip asking to be part of it because of his close affiliation to the throne and his services to King Henry.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]The challenge was dismissed and war would soon erupt in France.[/FONT]


[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]In Italy the last part of Calabria is conquered by the Italian Normans.[/FONT]

 

[arctic warrior]

[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Campaign in France (1061-62) [/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Pope Nicholas dies and Hildebrand succeed in having his friend Anselm elected Pope to the decree of 1059. Anselm takes the name of Alexander 2.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]But German and North Italian Bishops elect the counter pope Honorius II (Bishop Cadulas de Parma)[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Seeing the hand of the Imperial Government behind the counter Pope England and France decide to back Alexander 2.[/FONT]


[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]The French guardianship ask King Svend for aid in putting down the nobility rebellion of Duke William. [/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Svend responded and called upon the Witangemot to let him call up an army for 60 days and take it to France. The Witangemot allowed the King his request and Svend had Earl Tostig muster the army in Kent, leaving Earls Ulf and Harold to guard Wales and Scotland lest they get ideas of their own in the absence of the King. [/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Thorgils and his yet younger brother Cnut, having been made Earl of Kent the year before would accompany their father on campaign.[/FONT]


[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]The peoples of East Anglia was only too relieved seeing Tostig off to France. The man had become ever more grumpy and ruthless following the Welsh expedition.[/FONT]


[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]The Scots led by King Malcolm III did get ideas of their own following Svend's departure for France invading Northumbria but being repulsed by Earl Harold and chased back across the border.[/FONT]


[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Landing in Flanders Svend soon learned that Harold Hardrada had also come to France to take whatever spoils he could.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]This didn't bother Svend much until part of Harold's fleet sacked and burned Dover. That made for Svend to abandon the campaign in France and take command of the fleet to round up Harold.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Tostig was left in France with the army and Thorgils and Cnut entrusted to him in support of the guardianship.[/FONT]


[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Even if the campaign of France and chase of Harold Hardrada took a lot of his time, Svend was able to spend time in England to rule the country and hear complaints from his subjects. [/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]He also took time to give his daughter Gunhild in marriage to Earl Harold Godwinson's son Godwin to tie him in marriage to the royal family.[/FONT]


[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]The Normans of southern Italy initiate the conquest of Sicily.[/FONT]


[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]In HREGN the 12 year old Henry IV of Germany is abducted by Godfrey of Lorraine and Otto of Northeim/Bavaria and along Archbishop Anno of Cologne they form guardianship of Henry IV.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Archbishop Anno is invested with the chancellery of Italy per tradition.[/FONT]


[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]The war in France continued being a muddled affair as the only sane leader seemed to be Duke William. Everybody else seemed out of control especially Duke Robert of Bourgogne. And mostly everyone fought for his own objectives.[/FONT]


[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]The major part of the English army went home after its 60 days service to the King and Tostig had to rely on the Huscarls of the Earls and those Thanes and Ceorls that could be talked into carrying on the service. This was a speciality of Svend's, to use his speech to keep his supporters in the field even during times of hardship.[/FONT]


[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Having fought on for almost two years Tostig manage to corner Duke William in the Contentin Peninsular. This brought the fighting to an end.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]But nothing really changed in France except that the authority of the guardianship had been enforced and all rebellious nobles paid homage to it.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Tostig wanted to behead a number of French nobles but that was close to breaking the alliance and Svend ordered him back to England.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Having kept his alliance Svend and the guardianship negotiated a settlement that had the Norman Duke cede the Norman Isles to him personally.[/FONT]


[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]During the French campaign Harold Hardrada had been able to elude Svend's attempts at catching up and now he sailed back for Norway. Harold had to be dealt with later Svend reasoned.[/FONT]


[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]For now Svend had to attend to English matters making his fourth son Svend Earl of Cornwall.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Instating Svend as Earl of Cornwall King Svend paid a visit to St. Michaels Mount at Marazion. [/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Leaving Cornwall Svend thought of St. Michael as a most befitting saint to a King as St. Michael the commander of Gods army wielding the Sword of God which the King would wield to govern his lands. [/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]And St. Michael was a warrior, most befitting for the King of Anglo-Saxons and Danes.[/FONT]

 

[arctic warrior]

[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Spoils of war (1063-64)[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Having instated his son Svend to be Earl of Cornwall Svend named Siberth of Clovelby a relative of Aethelflead a previous Ealdorman of Devon to be his guardian. To further Siberth's loyalty he was given Svend's daughter Sigrid in marriage.[/FONT]


[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Archbishop Adalbert of Bremen forces his way into the guardianship of Henry IV soon to lead it.[/FONT]


[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]One of the sights to arouse the young Earls Thorgils and Cnut was the display of the French nobility on the battlefield. Fine indeed did they look but their combat value was to be questioned as they were too eager to go off on a personal charge when challenged, something Tostig had used to advantage.[/FONT]


[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]But Thorgils and Cnut persisted in wanting coats of arms of their own and that every Earl, Thane and Ceorl should also be given such.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Svend dismissed the young Earls rashly. [/FONT]
“[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]This is not needed, the last thing I want to get into my Kingdom is the French system of vassalage” Svend argued “I have worked to get rid of any such here to secure Your future as rulers of this country, now don't go about mocking my efforts.”[/FONT]
“[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]You have seen how the French are eager to take up arms against their King – we need every man to know his place in society, honour God and King as well as their representative – Earl and Bishop.”[/FONT]
“[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]You have seen the impetuousness of the French in contrast to our disciplined troops. I want an army and commanders I can trust, not a bunch of mindless Pheasants milling about the battlefield!”[/FONT]
“[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]But if you want to carry coats of arms then carry those of St. Michael – the sword and the banner and the scale”[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]No more came of this.[/FONT]


[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]But Tostig had also carried something back from France. Returning to England the Earl felt cheated of his reward even if Svend gave him praise and gold. The experience of the French campaign had been disappointing even if the English army had performed well and Tostig had led it to victory. But the campaign had been drawn out, foes been difficult to identify because of the ever shifting alliances and Tostig gone even more ruthless than ususally. [/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]And then Svend had taken the reward![/FONT]


[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Tostig became more and more tyrannical even terrorising his Thanes and Ceorls having peoples fined and executed at will. His use of the new “Danish” tax system made him highly unpopular among the Danish part of East Anglia.[/FONT]


[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Svend tried to make Tostig cool off by sending him north with the cavalry to give Malcolm III a thrashing, but it only served to make Tostig even more grumpy when he returned to Norwich for Christmas.[/FONT]

[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Early in the new year a Witangemot was called in East Anglia by the Thanes and Ceorls. They decided that they could not endure Tostigs rule any longer and withdrew their allegiance, taking up arms and besieging Tostig in Norwich.[/FONT]


[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Realizing the graveness of the situation Svend went to East Anglia to calm the situation. As he arrived Tostig had been slain in the storming of Norwich and the rebels were somewhat disagreeing as what to do next.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Svend soon came on top of the situation demanding the names of those who had slain his Earl and giving his absolution to the rest but requesting them to do repentance in Church. He also demanded wergeld for his Earl and received it. He then declared that a new Earl would be instated that would be his brother Asbjoern. [/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]As Asbjoern was viewed as an indecisive ruler he would be a welcome replacement for Tostig.[/FONT]


[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Having instated Asbjoern as Earl of East Anglia Svend made Gyrth Godwinson Earl of the Middle Peoples. Still he had to rely on the Godwinsons as his sons were still young and his brothers unfit for military command.[/FONT]


[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Harold Hardrada also returned from war to an Empire well looked after by his son Olav. Soon Harold would be out to old Viking ways once again in British waters; Dublin had to be reconquered and Malcolm of the Scots were a bit of a nuisance in Norwegian settled areas.[/FONT]


[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Having worked as chancellor of Italy Archbishop Anno is able to have the counter Pope Honorius II ousted at the Synod of Mantua.[/FONT]

 

[arctic warrior]

[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Royal prerogative (1065-66)[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Reflecting on the previous years Svend decided to let the Norwegian matter rest for the time being and concentrate on internal issues. [/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Malcolm III needed another thrashing delivered by himself to have him acknowledge Svend as his liege lord. That should settle matters internally.[/FONT]


[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]All of the English be he Earl, Thane, Ceorl or freeman was called to serve the King in his enforcement of authority.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Svend had Harold invade Scotland over land but arrived himself by ship burning Edinburgh.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Being squeezed by Harold and Svend Malcolm had to yield and accept Svend as his liege lord as well as paying a symbolic tax.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]The symbolism wasn't wasted upon those previous rebellious to their Earl and so Svend's objectives were secured.[/FONT]


[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]Robert Guiscard finish the conquest of southern Italy by taking Bari.[/FONT]


[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]The sighting of a comet(Halley's) the year after was taken as a good omen by Svend who called up the English for an expedition against the Welsh.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]As before the Welsh was in no condition to withstand the might of the English and Svend once again had Diarmiat bow to him. Svend declared victory to have been achieved by prayer to good St. Michael.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]This time Svend demanded the rest of Gwent and Morgannwg as well. The embassy of Diarmiat had to bow to the King of the Anglo-Saxons and Danes and pay him tax. But this time Svend declared that the tax, however symbolic had to be paid every year in late August; If these have not been reckoned by mid august the Royal ticket will be demanded of the guilty strictly according to law and without delay.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]The new territories of Gwent and Morgannwg were to be administered by prince Thorgils as the Earldom of South Wales.[/FONT]


[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]As Henry IV come of age this year the German Dukes succeed in having him remove Archbishop Adalbert from the guardianship and institute a new government led by Duke Otto of Northeim/Bavaria.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]One of the effects of this is the resurge of the Slav Abodriti on the Baltic into paganism and they ravage the Bishoprics of Ratzeburg and Mecklenburg and burns Hamburg.[/FONT]


[FONT=Verdana, sans-serif]The activities of Harold Hardrada was soon felt on the British Isles. Dublin was retaken and Scone raided just to make the message clear to Malcolm.[/FONT]