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The true story of Rannulf's eventful career in Norman England
This remarkable man, born in 1060 AD of humble origins, against all the odds, rose to the top of King William II, Rufus', administration in England. Rannulf was described by a chronicler of the time as 'the manager of all England'. He was also described as the King's "chief legal and financial expert", and as "the first successful administrator in English history.
This son of an obscure priest in the diocese of Bayeux was the first man of ignoble birth in English history to climb from the bottom to the top of the social scale by the backstairs of the royal administration". In 1099, he was appointed as Prince Bishop of Durham.
Rannulf detested oppression, wanton killing and destruction, and war, and believed there was a better way. Hearing the gossip in the cathedral corridors and in the bishop's stables where he secretly learnt about training horses for military duties, he was deeply troubled and desperately wanted to go to England to see the issues for himself.
His chance came in 1080. This epic story of Rannulf's accomplishments deserves to be told and his achievements better recognised.
About the author
Gordon Sawyer worked for the oil industry giant ExxonMobil for forty years before retiring in 2003. He and his wife Sue had already developed a passion for family history research. So, when they moved to the historic town of Arundel, perhaps it was no surprise that his interest in history grew. He became a Trustee of the Arundel Museum Society before moving to Strensham in Worcestershire where he decided to research the history of this quiet rural parish. He published his findings in his first book, The Ancient Manor of Strensham in 2020. Gordon and Sue moved to Malvern in 2022, there becoming a neighbour and friend of Lady Fielding.
