Publications
Hero of the Weald: The story of William of Cassingham, by David Pilling, published August 2008 in Sussex Past & Present (no. 115, article, p.13, ISSN: 1357-7417) accessible at: The Keep [LIB/500475] & S.A.S. library View Online
Preview:The French invasion of England in 1216 is a relatively neglected event in English history. Had it succeeded, England's ruling dynasty, the Plantagenets, would have been extinguished and the country as thoroughly conquered as it was by the Normans in 1066. The invasion was led by Prince Louis, son of the French King Philip Augustus, who was invited over to take the English crown by English barons sick of the oppression of King John (1199-1216). John did not put up much of a fight, retreating instead of opposing the French landing, but others were prepared to resist.
One of these was William of Cassingham (now Kensham, between Rolvenden and Sandhurst), a lowly but pugnacious country squire.
One of these was William of Cassingham (now Kensham, between Rolvenden and Sandhurst), a lowly but pugnacious country squire.