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A​.​D. 1069 : The Harrying of the North

from The Wistman Tales by Napier's Bones

/

about

Following the Norman Invasion of England in AD 1066, the new overlords began to
impose their culture on the conquered land.
The Northern Earls initially swore loyalty to Duke William but later, in AD 1069,
staged a rebellion with the help of their Danish allies.
They fought in the cause of a rival claimant to the throne : Edgar the Atheling.

Despite capturing the City of York their success was shortlived.
William and his Barons began a bloody military campaign to prevent the North
from attempting any future uprisings.

This notorious event is known as The Harrying of the North and features in The
Domesday Book, with an extensive list of the places that were "laid waste".
The records also detail the previous Anglo-Danish deed-holders, and their replacement,
William's man : Ilbert de Lacy.

Medieval Chroniclers have recorded the deathbed confession of William :

"I persecuted the native inhabitants of England beyond all reason.....
Innumerable multitudes perished through me by famine and sword.
I am stained with the rivers of blood that I have shed"

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So sit back and enjoy an extensive tour of Eleventh Century England and its associated
brutality.

lyrics

AD 1069 : The Harrying of the North

Treason spreads like a disease, letting blood the only cure
Foolish bargains with the Danes? Such hopes will not endure

Lessons must be learned, that the North will not forget.

We have no time, for all that plot futile resistance
No place, for natives in Duke William's Court
No Mercy, fools are they who dare oppose us!
No Doubt, We are the chosen ones
------------------------------------------------------

This land is ours now, the Church is ours,
On bended knee the natives shall give praise.

The Law is ours now, the language ours
Punishments, that we alone dictate

Erase the past, to build anew
The future is ours to shape....
In our own Image....our own Image....
It's ours to shape in our own image.......

In Clifton, Held by Escelf, De Lacy has it now....and it is waste

In Hetone, Held by Refanskil, De lacy has it now..and it is waste

In Wyke, Held by Scanulf, De Lacy has it now..and it is waste

In Gomershale, Held by Dunstan, De Lacy has it now..and it is waste

In Mirefelt, Held by Haldane, De Lacy has it now...and it is waste

In Herteshue, Held by Gerneber, De Lacy has it now..and it is waste

In Bradley, Held by Godwin, De Lacy has it now..and it is waste

credits

from The Wistman Tales, released September 11, 2015
Gordon Midgley : Music, Lyrics & Production
Nathan Jon Tillett : Vocals

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Napier's Bones UK

Napier's Bones are a UK band steeped in classic prog and using it as a foundation for their own take on long-form progressive rock music.

The focus is firmly on dramatic storytelling with subjects capable of resonating with today's listeners. Music that references the past but is very much of the here and now.
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