Note 1555 — Chapter XVI · THE INTERREGNUM.[1503] October 15–December 25, 1066.
Reading edition
Wid. Amb. 611;
“Illicò pervasit terror vicinia castri,
Urbes et burgos, oppida quæque replens.”
Every one knows the legend, followed by Thierry and, hesitatingly, also by Lappenberg (105), about the Kentish men coming with boughs in their hands and extorting from William a confirmation of their rights. It comes from William Thorn, X Scriptt. 1786, and it has, as far as I know, no better authority. The tale describes the Kentishmen as led by Stigand, who was then undoubtedly in London. There is nothing to show that Kent was better treated than the rest of England; as it was put under Odo, it was perhaps treated a little worse. William no doubt promised to the Kentishmen the preservation of their ancient laws, but this he did to Englishmen everywhere.