Albion Armorers has a wonderful new article up by Patrick Kelly !

The Normans
Their history, arms and tactics
An article by Patrick Kelly
http://www.albion-swords.com/articles/norman.htm

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So that's what Patrick has been up to. Well done!

This seems to be well beyond just an article and well into the essay stage. It's apparent that Patrick took some time and research to prepare this particular bit of literary effort. I've only had time to skim it so far, but it seems to be well done and I look forward to reading the whole thing.

Nice article, thanks for pointing it out, Mac. Also, check out Eric McHugh's Pilgrimage of a Sword Geek. Couple of very interesting pictures, and I'm sure there will be many more to come.

Kenton

A fantastic article. I'd grown used to relying on Patrick Kelly's straightforward, no b.s. style in reviews and essays, but it was a welcome pleasure to see him open up and handle the history of one of his favorite periods so adroitly.

My personal thanks for the pointer, Thomas!


Michael

Very well written article and I've read half of it attentively and skimmed the second half that I will have to get back too.

I like that he mentions various sources that may conflict in their conclusions and adds his own opinion about which sounds more credible to him.

Seems like a good start to a professional writing career and it would be nice to see a book by Patrick Kelly some time in the future on our reading ( Buying ) lists. I have no idea if this might be an ambition of his but I think it should be. ;)

(Patrick: Hope you still lurk around here and read my best wishes. :cool: :D )

Absolutely excellent!

All of the disclaimers on use of "mercenary", "knight", milite, pedite, etc. are pretty consistent with recent books I have read this past month. Also, while a force of two hundred fighting and formally titled "Knights" would typically be recorded, the actual force including mercenaries and men at arms is considered to be much larger from mid 10th century forward.

I was hoping you would slip in that William the Conquereor was also openly referred to as "William the Bastard"...... The term was not all that derogatory (originally relates to Latin "Bastum" or French "Bast" for pack saddle, same context as bastard sword... one for use from a horse) at that time, and some articles I have read say he was refereed to that way in his presence!

That's awesome! :D

Thank you Patrick.

Fantastic article, congratulation to Patrick on a job incredibly well done. I especially liked the descriptions of Norman feudal society and their battle tactics. It was also very thought provoking how Patrick called into question the issue of the so-called battlefield superiority of medieval cavalry.

:cool:
Appreciate you posting the link Mac, :D
Good work Patrick,
Very well done :cool:

Awesome job Patrick, very thorough!