The History of English Podcast

Episode 71: On The Hunt
Host: Kevin Stroud
Release Date: December 5, 2015

Introduction: Hunting’s Lingering Legacy in English

In Episode 71: On The Hunt of The History of English Podcast, host Kevin Stroud delves into the profound influence of medieval hunting practices on the English language. Stroud illustrates how the fervor for hunting among the Norman elite not only shaped societal structures but also left an indelible mark on everyday English expressions. As Stroud aptly puts it, “hunting was so prominent and so important that it gave the English language lots of words and phrases” (00:09).

The Norman Conquest and the Transformation of Forests

Stroud begins by setting the historical stage with the Norman Conquest of England in 1066. William the Conqueror introduced the term “forest”, which originally encompassed a broader legal definition beyond its modern sense as a wooded area. Unlike the Anglo-Saxon term “wudu” (“woods” in Old English), forest under Norman rule referred to any land designated as a hunting preserve, subject to stringent forest laws. These laws restricted access and usage of the land, extending even to villages and farmsteads within these designated forests.

“Anyone who disturbed these forest boundaries could be killed or castrated” (00:09).

The imposition of these laws created widespread resentment among both the nobility and commoners, setting the stage for future conflicts that would eventually contribute to the signing of the Magna Carta.

The New Forest: A Microcosm of Oppression

One of the most significant examples discussed is the New Forest, established around 1079 near Winchester. Stroud highlights how William the Conqueror’s passion for hunting led to the extensive designation of royal forests, covering about one-third of England within a century and a half after the conquest. The creation of the New Forest involved the displacement of numerous small hamlets and farmsteads, turning the area into an ideal preserve for deer hunting.

“So much of England was subject to these restrictive forest laws that they were imposed on both the barons and the peasants” (00:09).

The establishment of these forests not only restricted the economic activities of the people but also sowed seeds of discontent that echoed through generations.

Succession Struggles: The Death of William the Conqueror

The episode recounts the tumultuous period following William the Conqueror’s death in 1087. William left behind three sons—Robert, William Rufus, and Henry—whose rivalries for power exemplified the complex dynamics of succession. The death of William’s second son, Richard, in the New Forest during a hunting trip underscores the perilous nature of medieval hunting:

“The story of William's succession is also the story of a sibling rivalry. William's three sons fought with each other and even with their father for control of the Anglo Norman kingdom” (00:09).

As William the Conqueror aged, tensions escalated, particularly with his eldest son, Robert, who contended for control of Normandy. The ensuing conflicts culminated in William’s own demise, allegedly caused by a hunting accident or assassination during a similar hunting expedition in the New Forest.

William Rufus: A Reign Marked by Tyranny and Taxation

Following William the Conqueror’s death, his son William Rufus ascended to the English throne while Robert inherited Normandy. Stroud portrays William Rufus as a complex figure—a capable military leader yet a ruthless tyrant. His relentless expansion of royal forests and oppressive taxation policies alienated both the nobility and the general populace.

“William Rufus was politically and militarily shrewd and very successful. But he was also a tyrant” (00:09).

William Rufus’s reign was characterized by his disdain for the Church, excessive taxation, and the continued imposition of harsh forest laws, fostering widespread resentment that painted him unfavorably in historical accounts, particularly those penned by church scribes.

The Influence of Falconry on English Vocabulary

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to falconry, the noble art of hunting with trained birds of prey, which was highly esteemed among the medieval elite. Stroud explains how falconry introduced numerous English words and phrases that persist to this day. For instance:

• Bated breath (05:30): Originating from "baited breath," referencing a bird being restrained and holding its breath during training.
• Hoodwinked (06:15): Derived from the use of hoods to cover a falcon’s eyes, symbolizing deception.
• Under my thumb (09:25): Stemming from the control handlers had over their falcons during hunts.
• Stool pigeon (11:40): Initially referring to decoy birds used in falconry, later evolving to mean a decoy or informant.

Stroud demonstrates how these terms, rooted in the specialized jargon of falconry, seamlessly integrated into the broader English lexicon, illustrating the profound impact of hunting culture on language development.

The Demise of William Rufus and the Rise of Henry I

The episode concludes with the dramatic death of William Rufus in 1100, allegedly during a hunting trip in the New Forest. The incident, involving an arrow shot by Walter Tyrrell and the swift rise of Henry, William Rufus’s younger brother, to the throne, underscores the precarious nature of power during this era.

“Was it an accident or an assassination? Many historians believe that it wasn't, that it was in fact an assassination” (00:09).

Stroud hints at the ensuing period of political instability known as the Anarchy, setting the stage for the next episode, which will explore how this chaos influenced the evolution of the English language.

Conclusion: Hunting’s Enduring Impact on English

Episode 71: On The Hunt masterfully intertwines the historical narrative of Norman England with the linguistic transformations that arose from pervasive hunting practices. Kevin Stroud effectively illustrates how the societal obsession with hunting not only shaped political and economic landscapes but also enriched the English language with enduring phrases and expressions. This episode serves as a testament to the intricate ways in which culture and language evolve in tandem, influenced by the passions and pursuits of those in power.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• William’s Influence on Language:

  • “The podcast can be very alluring. When a new episode pops up, you pounce on it.” (00:09)

• Describing Forest Laws:

  • “All of those phrases can be traced back to hunting jargon in the Middle Ages.” (00:09)

• William Rufus’s Character:

  • “Politically and militarily, he was shrewd and very successful. But he was also a tyrant.” (00:09)

• Falconry’s Vocabulary Impact:

  • “Once the bird was fully trained, it could be taken out on the hunt. The bird had to be secured to its owner or handler.” (00:09)

Next Episode Teaser:
Kevin Stroud previews the next installment, promising to explore Henry I’s reign and the ensuing Anarchy, highlighting how political turmoil paralleled linguistic evolution during the early 12th century.

Subscribe and Learn More:
For more engaging discussions on the history of the English language, visit historyofenglishpodcast.com. Connect with Kevin Stroud via email at Kevin@historyofEnglishPodcast.com or on Twitter @lishhistpod.