Alan’s note was addressed to Bishop William of London, announced his arrival and indicated his availability for the following day, Friday. It was the first time that he had used his new seal-ring given to him by Anne.
As there were still two hours to sunset, Alan and Osmund, accompanied by four huscarles, rode the short distance along the Strand to the Westminster Palace to see if King’s Chancellor Regenbald was in residence. By good fortune he was, and when Alan and Osmund walked into his office the aged prelate rose to clasp forearms before inviting his guests to sit.
Alan had met Regenbald both at the royal coronation and in his subsequent discussions with the king and had a true liking for the old man, together with an appreciation for his perceptiveness, intelligence and quick wit. The cleric had been in charge of Edward’s writing office until appointed by William as Chancellor immediately following the latter’s coronation.
On handing over the bag of rolls of depositions Alan explained the problems being experienced with the Heriot charges in East Anglia in particular and his understanding that the problem was more wide-spread. Osmund gave a quick precis of each of the depositions that they had received from both Suffolk and Essex, and which ones had been referred to the sheriffs for investigation, referring to a summary list that he had drawn up.
Sitting with one leg up on a foot-stool Regenbald apologised for the bout of gout he was presently suffering, which was why he was staying in his chambers in the palace instead of riding home each night. “That and some current domestic discord,” he said pulling a wry face, a reference to the fact that like many English priests Regenbald was married. “Now, this lot is not going to make you any friends here at court at all, and won’t help your future prospects. Even the king is likely to be unhappy that you have raked up this muck. Odo and fitzOsbern are likely to be livid, as it reflects badly on their administration in the absence of the king. Firstly, are you sure you should be presenting them to me and not to the Lords Regent?”
“I’m quite happy handling things this way. Odo of Bayeux is the last person I would want to look at these pleadings. You are the King’s Secretary, the man who handles his correspondence. I want the king to have a look at this correspondence and not just have it quietly buried and forgotten. I expect that by the time the king returns most, if not all, of these complaints will have been favourably resolved by Earl Ralph, Bishop William and Engelric and the blame placed on over-zealous or corrupt servants and minor officials. You and I both know that in fact theft, corruption and extortion are currently running rampant in the kingdom, with the co-Lord Regent Odo of Bayeux being amongst the worst offenders- which in part is why he’s having so much dissent and protest in his own earldom of Kent. The English don’t like people abusing their office at the people’s expense. Some minor corruption is expected, but not blatant robbery and extortion.”
“And what do you hope to obtain?” asked Regenbald thoughtfully, looking over steepled fingers.
“Justice for these specific individuals whose legal rights have been abused. Hopefully a more temperate use of powers and less abuse of powers by the appointed officials. King William took an oath at his coronation that the laws of Edward would be upheld. At the moment it is as if a pack of wolves, Norman and English, are ravaging the country, the middle-thegns, poorer thegns and freemen, for their own benefit. If King William orders taxes are to be levied that is one thing. Private theft and extortion are another matter. The sheriffs need to be put on notice that they are expected to act and not either ignore or participate in financially ruining thousands of Englishmen,” replied Alan.
“Admirable sentiments, if perhaps overly virtuous,” rejoined Regenbald. “I actually meant what do you hope to obtain for yourself?”
Alan looked at him in blank incomprehension for a moment before replying, “Oh, I’m sorry! Of course you’re used to dealing with courtiers who only look to further their own benefit. The short answer is ‘nothing’. King William is likely to be annoyed at me for wasting his time and pointing out his poor choice of appointed officials. He may relish the opportunity to let those officials know that they are under scrutiny and perhaps punish one or two.
“Earl Ralph, the earl of East Anglia where I hold my own lands, will no doubt do whatever he can to make my life and that of my friends as difficult as possible. I don’t expect much trouble from Bishop William or Engelric as I can cause them more trouble than they can cause me. I hold my lands as tenant-in-chief from the king himself. I’m subservient to only one man under God, and I view this as a matter that God has given me to do as I must. William fitzOsbern will be angry with me because he brooks little intervention in what he does and he takes his appointment as co-regent seriously. He’s somewhat puffed up about his own importance and will reject any criticism. Odo will object to any interference in his own program of theft and illegal acquisition.”
Regenbald stroked his chin. “So a man who is honest, ferht and God-fearing, on a quest to protect the unwitting, with no thought of self-benefit- and indeed accepting that his own interests will be harmed.” Alan was not sure if the tone was astonished or ironic.
“I have no political ambitions and am happy with what I hold, which only the king can take from me. I’m sure that King William will not do that, if for no reason other than to use me as a weapon against those he wishes to keep in check,” confirmed Alan.
“You have obviously given this much thought and prayer and I salute your courage. As King’s Chancellor I have no higher office to look forward to and I will support your position. As an Englishman I object to the abuses that are taking place against my fellow-countrymen and I’m glad to see someone from what might be viewed as ‘the other side’ supporting the common folk. You have my regard, my best wishes and whatever assistance I can provide you- as I am Chancellor of England that may be of some assistance in ‘keeping those wolves off your back’. Now, it’s after dark and as the gates of the city will be closed for your return to your inn, I’ll provide you with an escort to ensure that the gates are opened for you. I look forward with expectation to your future involvement in politics in England.”
When Alan and Osmund arrived back at the ‘Fox and Goose’ they found a reply waiting from William, Bishop of London, brought by Leof. The reply, in a clerk’s hand, indicated he should attend at Bishop’s Palace near the cathedral at eleven the next morning. Leof was adamant that when he had returned as darkness was falling there was no way he could have been followed as he had dashed down Watling Street, past the shops in Gutter Lane, down Bread Street and back up Wood Street before sneaking in the back entrance of the inn.
Alan and Anne rose reasonably early at six in the morning the next day, although still two hours after sunrise and the opening of the city gates. It was about a twenty minute very careful walk with Osmund and four huscarles, not now in armour but still carrying swords and a haughty expression that cleared the street for the others following, through the crowded pavements and streets of Chepe Street to Bishopsgate Street.