WAB Corner

This site was created late in 2008, just a few years after first becoming involved in wargaming. As you can tell by the name, WAB was my introduction to this community. I appreciate the following and comments this blog receives, and give all thanks and credit to my Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. It may seem odd that this blog appears to focus on the folly of mankind's continuous warfare, but I believe I can still enjoy this hobby so long as I put Him first in all I do. Maranatha!

Saturday, January 17, 2015

Roger Bigod, 5th Earl of Norfolk, Marshall of England

This is the last figure from the FireForge Mounted MAA kit. He's painted up as Sir Roger Bigod, Marshal of England under Edward I.

He bears the arms of the Marshal of England, first made famous by William Marshal a generation or so before Sir Roger.

Along with most notables of the time, Sir Roger was present at Falkirk in 1298. However, he is more notably remembered for successfully challenging Edward I's order to campaign in France.

Edward had ordered Sir Roger to go to Gascony while the king would go separately to Flanders. Sir Roger challenged the king by stating he was only compelled to campaign overseas while in the company of the king himself. An outraged Edward stated, "By God, Earl, you shall either go or hang." To which the earl famously retorted, "By the same oath, O king, I will neither go nor hang."

Edward must have respected the earl as he departed for France without him. The earl died in 1306, after being a bit of thorn in the king's side. For instance, the earl actively prevented collection of funds for Edward's French campaigns.