Poem- That fateful morn on Caldbec Hill 1066
Birds were silent the air was still
On that fateful morn on Caldbec Hill
The morning dew lay in its bed
A lake of tears that would be shed
For Saxon souls that would depart
England’s mortal heart ripped apart
By Normans, Flems and Bretons too
Come to taste the blood of whom
Stand in their way for England’s Crown
A man of wealth and world renown
King Harold’s army stands firm and tall
Impressive ranks form their shield wall
Duke William’s attack can start at will
On that fateful morn on Caldbec Hill
On this frosty morn in 1066
Sword and shield were firmly fixed
Leather jerkins strapped and secure
Shield wall ready, strong and sure
Flags of war ripple and flutter
Words of prayer were heard a mutter
Nervous breaths were clear to see
Hardened stares faced their enemy
Autumnal leaves leap and prance
In preparation of impending advance
A rain of arrows marked the start
From Norman ranks they did depart
The Battle commenced its cries were shrill
On that fateful morn on Caldbec Hill
The first advance was soon repelled
The shieldwall shaken but it had held
To jeers and shouts of Saxon delight
At Flemish soldiers who’d turned in flight
A cavalry charge was dealt the same
The Saxons winning the early game
Duke William is dead the Norman’s fear
But back on his horse the invaders cheer
As William leads the next assault
Stopping the Normans from early revolt
Hour after hour the shield wall was battered
But it held that was all that mattered
As King Harold’s crown was shining still
On that fateful day on Caldbec Hill
The Battle continued throughout the day
Reinforcements were coming the Saxons pray
Their shield wall was thinning it could not last
England’s Crown nearly in Norman grasp
As dusk approached the shield wall scatters
Saxon defence is now in tatters
A final stand to save their King
Ends in despair, the Normans win
There were thousands that died on that autumn day
Young men, boys and farmers not there to play
Battlefield new in colour, blood red now its hue
Senlac is it’s new name, forgotten by few
Every October they pay homage, remember them still
Of that fateful day up on Caldbec Hill
