He came thundering down, half London
weltering behind him, across the Weald, and Henry, wheeling to meet
him, came upon the 12th of May up the vale of Glynde and occupied
Lewes. On the following day Simon appeared at Fletching in the vale of
the Weald, some nine miles north of Lewes; there he encamped. Very
early in the morning of the 14th May, Simon arrayed his troops and
began his march southward upon the royal army. Dawn was just breaking
when his first troopers came over the high Down and saw Lewes in the
morning mist, the royal banners floating from the Castle--all still
asleep. Slowly and at his ease Simon ordered his men. Upon the north,
conspicuously, he set his litter with his standard above it and about
it massed the raw levies of London. Upon the south he gathered the
knights and men-at-arms led by the young Earl of Gloucester. As for
himself he remained with the reserve. Then when all was ready he gave
the order and both wings, north and south, began to advance upon the
town "hoping to find their enemies still abed."
Simon's plan was a simple one, he hoped to surprise his foes and he
intended in any case to throw his main strength southward upon the
Priory of St Pancras, while pretending that his main attack was to be
upon the Castle.
Pages:
211
212
213
214
215
216
217
218
219
220
221
222
223
224
225
226
227
228
229
230
231
232
233
234
235