Oxford Castle, Seat of the Barony of Oxfordshire

[KoS]

Ten years after construction commenced, mighty Oxford Castle was completed at last.

Spoiler for Residents (as of 1076): 

- Baron Roger de Vernon (35) - head of household
--- Lady Hilda de Vernon (17) - wife
------- Adeliza de Vernon (11) - daughter
------- Richard de Vernon (8) - son
------- Edith de Vernon (1) - daughter
- Sir Honfroi de Vernon (54) - uncle
- Huard de Vernon (29) - cousin
- Renaud de Warrenne (23) - nephew
- Guillaume de Sacquerville (21) - nephew
- Ralph de Sacquerville (17) - nephew
- Gauvain de Vernon (29) - nephew

Spoiler for Lands and Upgrades: 

Oxfordshire (provides 150 levies)

Oxford Castle: +1

Spoiler for Family Crypt at Oxford: 

Robert de Vernon (1039-1066) ~ killed in action, Hastings
Gilbert de Vernon (1043-1070) ~ killed in action, Nottingham
Osbern de Vernon (1045-1072) ~ murdered, Leicestershire
Hugue de Warrenne (1032-1072) ~ murdered, Leicestershire
Ranulf de Sacquerville (1029-1072) ~ murdered, Leicestershire
Bernard de Reviers (1040-1072) ~ murdered, Leicestershire
Emma de Vernon (1048-1073) ~ died of natural causes, Oxford

[Agamemnon]

Harald and a hired translator come to see Roger.

[KoS]

Roger amiably greeted the newcomers. He sat beside his younger brothers, Gilbert and Osbern, resting his wounded leg.

How goes it, men?

[Agamemnon]

Harald responds, and the translator translates.

'I am Harald Agmundrson, a trusted warrior in the employ of the King. I have heard that you have a sister of sixteen years. If it please you, I would ask for her hand.'

[KoS]

Indeed I do. Her name is Sybilla de Vernon. My father died a year ago, and as his eldest surviving son, it is my obligation to provide for her, and to arrange for her marriage to a suitable husband. You seem to be a fair man, Harald.

He extended a hand.

My name is Roger de Vernon. These are my brothers, Gilbert and Osbern.

[Agamemnon]

Harald shook his hand and continued after Ulfric, the translator, explained.
'I would be glad to protect her. I am learning English from Ulfric here, and soon I will return to arrange the wedding.'

[KoS]

Roger smiled toward Harald.

I plan on settling my family in Hampshire, perhaps as a lord if I should gain the Duke's favor. Unless you should object, would you like to move there with us, and possibly enter into my service?

[Agamemnon]

Roger smiled toward Harald.

I plan on settling my family in Hampshire, perhaps as a lord if I should gain the Duke's favor. Unless you should object, would you like to move there with us, and possibly enter into my service?

Unfortunately no, I cannot, as I am going to serve Northamptonshire when I get my knighthood. However, I will return on occasion, perhaps at least every Christes Maesse?

[Carl von Döbeln]

A middle aged man dressed in rather simple light brown clergy robes approaches the encampment, accompanied only by a young little girl...

[KoS]

The men were drinking, but when informed of their visitors Roger instructed his brother to let them in. He saw it was a priest and, awkwardly, set down his mug of ale.

Good evening, Father. To whom do I owe the pleasure?

[Carl von Döbeln]

Bertrand de Lacey.

Bertrand lowered his head politely and gestured towards his young daughter who stood beside him...

Eleanor, my niece.

[KoS]

A pleasure to meet you both. I am Sir Roger de Vernon. These are my brothers, Gilbert and Osbern.

[Carl von Döbeln]

Greetings to thee, sir knight.

Bertrand smiled at the three brothers.

You wouldn't have some bread and wine? We have been travelling all day.

[KoS]

Bread we have aplenty, but I am afraid we are out of wine, Father. Plenty of ale remains, though.

Roger smiled.

Stay the night. Tell us of your travels.

[Dead Sun]

A letter arrived requesting the Barons presence in Rockingham, Northamptonshire...

[KoS]

In November 1066, being named the Baron of Oxford-shire, Roger and his kin packed up their belongings and made the trek westward to their new home.

Unfortunately no, I cannot, as I am going to serve Northamptonshire when I get my knighthood. However, I will return on occasion, perhaps at least every Christes Maesse?

Very well - I cannot blame a man for fulfilling a rightful oath.

Roger offered the Norseman a cup of wine.

Would you rather be wed sooner or later? I can arrange for the rites to be performed before the year is out.

A letter arrived requesting the Barons presence in Rockingham, Northamptonshire...

Reading this letter, de Vernon took off for Northampton at once, leaving his brother Gilbert in charge of their lands until his return.

[Agamemnon]

'Yes, I would, if possible. Any time you wish, however.'

[Agamemnon]

Harald returns to see Roger about his betrothal.

[KoS]

Roger had already departed for Northampton, but his brother Gilbert, acting as steward, allowed Harald to enter.

[Agamemnon]

Harald asks where Roger is, and learning that he is on his way to the shire he calls home asks what route Roger took, so he may overtake him on the way.