Carol’s Comments (group member since Jun 05, 2013)

Carol’s comments from the Ask Carol McGrath group.

Yes I see the inheritance sequence both both called Alan, always odd.

So Hawise was Emma's sister and aunt to William of Normandy!

Oh not sure. Shall ask. Also was Richard 1 of Normandy Hawiz of Normandy's father ? It is a little hard to sort out. Were Alan and Alan Niger from the same mother? Do you know?

I did not respond here either. Yes I know the theory well. It underpins my own theories in The Handfasted Wife. I certainly think Wilton very interesting and I believe panels of the Tapestry were made there.

Finally boys witnessed documents at age 14 when they had the right to do so. Before that age they might but with the adult consent. Elizabeth provided me with this info.

Zoe I just saw your Edith and Malcom comment. It is very odd that story. I think Rufus was terrified of Barons becoming too powerful though clearly Alan was loyal. But Alan was old, very old. By Edith we mean Matilda though yes her name was Edith. It is a wonderful tale. After discussion with Henrietta Leyser, despite Henrietta's belief in the later date re Gunnhild she says it is not sure and said use the earlier one for the story. Ie Haskins. As for Alan's death dates I think I might also stick with 1089 but will look at Anselm's letters again before I do. Wilton House is not too far from my home so I should go over. First when I get back to Oxford I intend a September visit to Castle Richmond.

Good luck Kathleen with the scene. Get that right, write in three chps to get the feel then get a plan down. The slimpest is to go for the three acts. Each scene think how does this move the narrative and that can include character revelations. I am reading The White Princess and I find that well constructed. I thought the story about Rufus and the baron's rebellion a bit boring but beautifully written. Ashe is a good writer but the narrative for me was a tad slow but very brilliant too.

Gosh, I thought I saw Eudo but I think Eozen is fine. I shall correct. Since the terrible bishop has an entrance best not to use Odo. Thank you.

A comment re charters may have by mistake gone against your other post, Zoe. Sorry.

Zoe wrote: "Zoe wrote: "Carol, to answer an earlier question of yours, the Bottrill document says that Alan Niger may have had an illegitimate son named "Hamo" by Gunnhilda.

It also says that Alan Rufus was b..."
I have written the book now and am editing. If I had not a deadline I could consider that. It is fabulous info, that.

Zoe wrote: "Many genealogical sites state that Robert of Avranches, an (illegitimate?) son of Hugh of Avranches (born about 1047, died 27 July 1101), 2nd Earl of Chester, was actually named "Ruallon", which is..."

Good question. I think Elizabeth will know. She is busy writing but I shall ask her to comment. She knows more than I on this subject. Can I call Eozen Eudo?

Oh one can do all kinds of things with fiction but to be successful in recreating the historical world watch out for anachronisms and try to create as faithful an atmosphere as you can.

I have just written an imagined piece set after the Earls revolt where I set Alan in Brittany with Gunnhild. Remember it is story. I have him setting out to protect his Breton borders with Maine in case he is attacked from Dol. and of course there was scheming and France got involved there. of course William does arrive and Dol is besieged. Then as I understand it Ralph Staller gets help and eventually the siege will fail and terms made.

This is much earlier in summer 1076. But point is I loved writing about setting out to war, the making ready paragraphs. Alan certainly had a long campaign history. And it may not be totally accurate history but it is lovely to write the fiction.

Now I may have misread. Hubert was defending the fortress and the Acquitainians were supporting him? I think I may have muddled my own translation here though can look it up of course.

They were all war lords. That took a bit of reading and translating without a dictionary as I am in the Greek Mani this month not Oxford but I think I got it. So Alan at the head of King's army was remarkable for his rich appearance! And Acquitaine on side. That is interesting if my rough translation is correct. Hubert is interesting too.

It is all so interesting even if my work is fiction. I am now going to write out this family tree as best I can. Thank you Zoe for taking such painstaking time to set all this information down.

Zoe, can you send me a simple lineage for my book for Alan showing back to grand sire and showing relationship to King William. I shall absolutely credit you for this. Working on it tomorrow.

I can't translate all this into my fiction but I can use a bit of it and I did give Alan a daughter though you would not buy this. I had Thomas officiate at betrothal which is plausible of course. Using earlier elopement date I can make Alan very neglectful and busy but I suspect I may have to adjust his death date now.

Wow, I think these posts should be documented. How shall I ever find them. I actually missed the saints one. Thank you Zoe. This knowledge is stunning.

I have that to read. I found another writer I found good but temporarily forget her name. Will put her up on the bookshelf later though.