Evidence for the Malfosse
The Malfosse, did it exist and what details do we have of it?
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Anglo Saxon Chronicles
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No reference to this subject in this document.
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Battle Abbey Chronicles
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There lay between the hostile armies a certain dreadful precipice, caused either by a natural chasm of
the earth, or by some
convulsion of the elements. It was of considerable extent, and being overgrown with bushes or brambles
was not very easily seen,
and great numbers of men — principally Normans in pursuit of the English — were suffocated in it. Eor,
ignorant of the danger,
as they were running in a dis-orderly manner, they fell into the chasm and were fearfully dashed to
pieces and slain. And the pit
from this deplorable accident is still called Malfosse.
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Bayeux_Tapestry
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No reference to this subject in this document.
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Carmen de Triumpho Normannico
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No reference to this subject in this document.
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Florence of Worcester
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No reference to this subject in this document.
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Henry of Huntingdon
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Duke William, therefore, commanded his troops to make a feigned retreat. In their flight they happened unawares on a
deep trench, which was treacherously covered, into which numbers fell and perished.
While the English were engaged in pursuit the main body of the Normans broke the centre of the
enemy's line, which being perceived by those in pursuit over the concealed trench, when they were consequently
recalled most of them fell there.
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Master Wace
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Harold knew that the Normans would come and attack him hand to hand : so he had early enclosed
the field in which he placed his men.
The English stood in close ranks, ready and eager for the fight; and they had
moreover made a fosse, which went across the field, guarding one side of their army.
In the plain was a fosse, which the Normans had now behind them, having passed it in the fight without
regarding it. But the English charged and drove the Normans before them, till they made them fall
back upon this fosse, overthrowing into it horses and men. Many were to be seen falling therein,
rolling one over the other, with their faces to the earth, and unable to rise. Many of the English also,
whom the Normans drew down along with them, died there. At no time during the day's battle did
so many Normans die, as perished in that fosse. So those said who saw the dead.
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William of Jumièges/Orderic Vitalis(Gesta)
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Various were the fortunes which attended their retreat ; some recovering their
horses, some on foot, attempted to escape by the highways ; more sought to save themselves by striking across the country.
The Normans, finding the English completely routed, pursued them vigorously all
Sunday night, but not without suffering a great loss ; for, galloping onward in hot pursuit, they fell unawares,
horses and armour, into an ancient trench, overgrown and concealed by rank grass, and men in their armour and
horses rolling over each other, were crushed and smothered. This accident restored confidence to the routed
English, for, perceiving the advantage given them by the mouldering rampart and a succession of ditches, they
rallied in a body, and, making a sudden stand, caused the Normans severe loss. At this place Eugenulf, lord
of Laigle, and many others fell, the number of the Normans who perished being, as reported by some who were present,
nearly fifteen thousand.
Thus did Almighty God, on the eve of the ides [14th] of October, punish in various ways the
innumerable sinners in both armies. For, on this Saturday, the Normans butchered with remorseless cruelty thousands
of the English, who long before had murdered the innocent prince Alfred and his attendants ; and, on the Saturday
before the present battle, had massacred without pity King Harold and Earl Tostig, with multitudes of Norwegians.
The righteous Judge avenged the English on Sunday night, when the furious Normans were precipitated into the concealed
trench ; for they had broken the divine law by their boundless covetous- ness ; and, as the Psalmist says : 'Their feet
were swift to shed blood,' whereupon, ' sorrow and unhappiness was in their ways. |
William of Malmesbury
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No reference to this subject in this document.
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