2006-12-16 What really happened on August 2, 1100? The mysterious death of a King

Royal deaths always had been fascinating if the occurred unexpectedly. The recent report of the death of Diana Princess of Wales is only one in many proving this.

Here the subject is a medieval English King - William II Rufus.

William II (called "Rufus", perhaps because of his red-faced appearance due to his propensity for anger or his red hair) was born, the third but second surviving son of William the Conqueror. He succeeded his father as King of England in 1087 and rules until 1100.

Perhaps the most memorable event in the life of William Rufus was his death, which occurred on August 2, 1100 while William was hunting in the New Forest. He was killed by an arrow through the heart.

Was this an accident or deliberate? That is the question this book tries to answer.

Paul Doherty continues with this book his interest in royal murder cases -Edward II. and Tutankhamun being the subjects of his first books. However, this one is different as he approaches the subject in form of a novel. The setting is the last months of the life of Anselm, the saintly Archbishop of Canterbury, mentor, guardian and opponent of William Rufus. His devoted secretary Eadmer describes the last quest of Anselm as he tries to find out what really had happened to the king. So the evidence is presented in this form. Fiction and report quoting from sources change which I found in the beginning a bit odd and I had to get used to it. However, it makes a pleasant read and it is not a dry book quoting and comparing various medieval sources on the king's death. Like in Agatha Christie's Poirot mysteries the cases is finished with a dramatic dénouement when all the still living principle figures come together and Anselm (Doherty) reveals what he believes really has happened on August 2nd, 1100 in the New Forest.

The book is interesting, well written, fact and fiction coming easily together to forma well argued case. All in all, a book I enjoyed. Find out for yourself what happened to William Rufus.