Tilly's Tale

Ever since I were a titch, Mother imagined great things for me. I were her fourth and only surviving child, as them what went afore me all perished. Jacob got poisoned from a sickness known by 'Holy Fire'. Anne sprang silent from Mother's womb. Prayers were offered up to Saint Margaret, but nary a breath did that babby take. Next came brother Robert, and a year hence I popped out.

My first recollection is Robert herding me to Church ahead of him like I were a sheep. He prodded me with a switch and cried "Faster, Tilly!" 'til I sobbed and Father scolded him. Despite his teasing, I missed him something dreadful when he succumbed to a fever.

Mother were never blessed with any more little 'uns. Father said ’twere the shock of losing so many in a short while what sent her barren. Being an only child I were the apple of her eye, so when they sought a scullery maid up at the Castle, she put me forward. I couldn't believe my luck when I got it—me barely twelve, and Father nought but a lowly Gong Farmer what always stinks of piss!

The Castle Cook telt Mother I were nimble on my feet, which is vital if you're wanting chores done in a timely manner. Mother did swell so prideful that day, I thought her cheeks may burst! Since then I've grafted hard and used my wit to become Cup Bearer. My job is to taste wine and ale for the Lord and his court, and make sure 'tis not tainted. 

First time I entered Main Hall my nerves jangled, 'specially when I waited on comely Sir James. He winked at me—to ease my plight—and patted my rump in a fond manner. In the months what followed I durst say Sir James became enamoured with me. I know what you're thinking—surely a Knight would want nought to do with a serving girl? Truly, it came as a shock to myself when he expressed his passion in such a forthright manner.

We've kept our trysts secret, but he swears we'll wed soon enough—'specially now I'm bearing fruit.
I can hardly hold my excitement in, as his Steward just sent word that Sir James wants to meet me atop the Keep... Mayhap he's to propose?

By God's nails, I ought to tidy myself up—I look a right daggle-tail!

 

 

Excerpt from Eastern Daily Press - June 14th, 1990

Work halted on the construction of a new underground shopping mall in Norwich last week, when human remains were discovered. 

The skeleton of a young woman was unearthed close to Norwich Castle, and archaeologists have determined that she died around the 12th Century AD. Numerous bone fractures point to the cause of death as falling from a great height. 

The perfectly preserved skeleton of a six-month-old foetus was found within her pelvic cavity.