Distinguishing a Fact From a Value Statement
The passages below provide details of the defeat of the Saxon king of England, Harold of Wessex,
by the Normans and on William the Conqueror’s reign over England [1066-1087]. The first
passage was written by William’s historian, William of Poitiers, in 1071. The second was written
by a group of monks who recorded the history of England in the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle.
“The victory near at hand, the Duke returned to the main field of battle where he could
not look upon the carnage without pity, although the victims were godless men and it is
good, glorious and beneficial to kill a tyrant. The ground was covered with the flower of
English nobility and manhood, stained in blood. The two brothers of Harold were found
next to him, and the fallen king, stripped of all badges of honor, was recognized, not by
his face, but by certain marks [on his body].”—William of Poitiers, ca. 1071
“This King William then that we speak about was a very wise man, and very rich; more
splendid and powerful than any of his predecessors were. He was mild to the good men
that loved God, and beyond all measure severe to the men that resisted his will. On that
same spot where God granted him that he should gain England, he reared a mighty
monestary, and set monks therein, and well endowed it. In his days was the great
monastery in Canterbury built, and also very many others over all England. …He was
also very dignified. Thrice he bare his crown each year, as oft as he was in England. …
So very stern was he also and hot, that no man durst do anything against his will. He had
earls in his custody, who acted against his will. Bishops he hurled from their bishoprics,
and abbots from their abbacies, and thanes into prison. At length he spared not his own
brother Odo, who was a very rich bishop in Normandy. Him he confined in prison. But
amongst other things is not to be forgotten that good peace that he made in this land; so
that a man of any account might go over his kingdom unhurt with his bosom full of gold.
He truly reigned over England; and by his capacity so thoroughly surveyed it, that there
was not a hide of land in England that he wist not who had it, or what it was worth, and
afterwards set it down in his book. So also he subdued Scotland by his great strength.”—
Anglo-Saxon Chronicle, dated 1087
1. Identify these sources. Are they primary or secondary sources?
2. William of Poitiers was William I’s [William the Conqueror’s] historian. What
facts does his account of the Norman Conquest cover?
3. Identify two value statements that the authors make about Harold of Wessex and
the Saxons.