Centuries old mystery leads to book

Carol Rowan (History 2007) lived in Hastings for part of her life and so always had an interest in William and his sons. She became particularly interested in his third son Rufus, and the myths and facts surrounding his life and demise.

At the time of his death a great many Churchmen had turned against Rufus and suggested he was in league with the devil – a perception of him which stuck over the subsequent centuries. It is also a story which has intrigued different historians and researchers.

Early twentieth century historian Margaret Murray suggested that Rufus had in fact been complicit in his own death – almost a willing Pagan sacrifice, a view which was not widely followed. Author Duncan Grinnell-Milne writing in the 1960s treated the place of his death as a crime scene and following his own investigations, suggested there was a third person involved.

“The more I researched the story the more intriguing it became and it formed the basis of the book,” said Carol. “Using the historical facts and events I wove a story around the very different lives of a Christian Norman King and the Pagan Saxon Peasant who eventually kills him.”

Bloodletting at Lammas is published by Bretwalda Books.