An evocative and inspiring theory sir! As with modern cinema, there can be so much depth hidden beneath seemingly mundane stylistic choices. I've always been a fan of the way you combine your passion for history and visual expression into unforgettable experiences for your readers / viewers. Thank you!
Excellent. A really nice read. You are right in how much the Tapestry has to tell us about the events of 1066, and how wonderfully vibrant and vivid it is, even after all thus time.
On Odo's club - I think this is not about the restriction on shedding blood (there are plenty of examples of clergy swinging swords, and if you hit someone with a stick you are still going to draw blood). Instead I believe it is a symbol of command. Other key Norman figures carry them too. The use of a wand or rod of command is well attested in the middle ages. Sir Thomas Erpingham throws his into the air to signal the initial volley of archery at Agincourt, for example. It is the precursor to the field marshal's baton, and may have its origins in the Roman centurions vine stick.
Oops! Sorry. It's just that the whole ‘priests weren't allowed to spill blood so used clubs’ thing is one of those persistant myths (like the direction of spiral staircases)!
That was a really interesting read...
I’m glad you enjoyed it. Do take a look at part 2 when you get a moment.
I will indeed
Intriguing, so much fun to learn about the details of the tapestry that I have admired for so long from afar.
An evocative and inspiring theory sir! As with modern cinema, there can be so much depth hidden beneath seemingly mundane stylistic choices. I've always been a fan of the way you combine your passion for history and visual expression into unforgettable experiences for your readers / viewers. Thank you!
Thank you for those kind words. Much appreciated.
Excellent. A really nice read. You are right in how much the Tapestry has to tell us about the events of 1066, and how wonderfully vibrant and vivid it is, even after all thus time.
On Odo's club - I think this is not about the restriction on shedding blood (there are plenty of examples of clergy swinging swords, and if you hit someone with a stick you are still going to draw blood). Instead I believe it is a symbol of command. Other key Norman figures carry them too. The use of a wand or rod of command is well attested in the middle ages. Sir Thomas Erpingham throws his into the air to signal the initial volley of archery at Agincourt, for example. It is the precursor to the field marshal's baton, and may have its origins in the Roman centurions vine stick.
Thank you. On Odo's club - you are ahead of me. That will be featuring, among other details in a future article.
Oops! Sorry. It's just that the whole ‘priests weren't allowed to spill blood so used clubs’ thing is one of those persistant myths (like the direction of spiral staircases)!
Horses! and More.
Fascinating detail and the sort Mike, that you are exceptionally skilled at noticing!
So glad you found this interesting. I appreciate your support.