William the Conqueror

Norman conquest of England

Medieval influential 11 sayings

Sayings by William the Conqueror

I have taken England with both my hands.

1066 — A declaration upon securing his conquest of England.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

I have taken England with both my hands.

1066 — A declaration upon securing his conquest of England.
Strange & Unusual Disputed

I attacked the English of the Northern Shires like a lion. I ordered their houses and corn, with all their belongings, to be burnt without exception and large herds of cattle and beasts of burden to be destroyed wherever they were found. It was there I took revenge on masses of people by subjecting them to a cruel famine; and by doing so — alas! — I became the murderer of many thousands of that fine race.

c. 1070 (reported later) — A self-assessment of his actions during the 'Harrying of the North'.
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

I attacked the English of the Northern Shires like a lion. I ordered their houses and corn, with all their belongings, to be burnt without exception and large herds of cattle and beasts of burden to be destroyed wherever they were found. It was there I took revenge on masses of people by subjecting them to a cruel famine; and by doing so — alas! — I became the murderer of many thousands of that fine race.

c. 1070 (reported later) — A self-assessment of his actions during the 'Harrying of the North'.
Strange & Unusual Disputed

I have persecuted the natives of England beyond all reason. Whether gentle or simple, I have cruelly oppressed them; many I unjustly disinherited; innumerable multitudes perished through me by famine or the sword.

1087 — Alleged deathbed confession
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

Hold! Hold! For by the Splendour of God, I have taken possession of my kingdom; the earth of England is in my two hands.

1066 — Reportedly shouted after falling during the Battle of Hastings
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

I am not so proud that I scorn the counsel of fools.

11th century — Attributed to him by chroniclers
Strange & Unusual Unverifiable

I have persecuted the natives of England beyond all reason.

1087 — Reportedly confessed on his deathbed
Controversial Unverifiable

Hold fast to Normandy, for I have conquered England with it.

1087 — Allegedly said to his son Robert
Controversial Unverifiable

I will not have a stone left upon a stone in York if they resist me.

1069-1070 — Threat during the Harrying of the North
Controversial Unverifiable

By the Splendour of God, I will not be swayed!

c. 11th century — A common oath attributed to him, reflecting his forceful personality and determination.
Shocking Unverifiable

I have taken my oath to God, and I will keep it.

c. 1066 — Attributed during his claim to the English throne and subsequent invasion.
Shocking Unverifiable

No man in England should have land or lordship unless he had a charter from me.

c. 1070s — Reflecting his assertion of absolute royal authority over land ownership after the Norman Conquest.
Shocking Unverifiable