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.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- I inflicted severe famine on the Northern Shires as revenge, causing massive death.
- In plain terms
- I burned crops and livestock, causing famine and killing many as revenge.
- What can you take from it?
- Revenge led to large‑scale suffering.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What alternatives could have been used?
- How do we judge historical violence?
Another view
Such actions are considered war crimes under modern law.
More from King of England William I
See, I have taken England with both my hands.
Permalink to quote #1
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