"I appoint no one my heir to the Throne of England as I did not attain that High Honour by hereditary right but wrestled it from the perjured King Harold in a desperate battle with much effusion of human blood. I have persecuted its native inhabitants beyond all reason; whether gentle or simple I cruelly oppressed them. Many I unjustly disinherited, innumerable multitudes, especially in the county of York, perished through me by famine or the Sword. Having therefore made my way to the Throne of that Kingdom by so many Crimes I dare not leave it to anyone but God alone, lest after my death worse should happen by my means..."
Attributed to William, King of England, on his deathbed. Rouen, September 1087.
Orderic Vitalis, a Norman Monk.
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