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A Child's History of England
A Child's History of England

Chapter VIII · England Under William the First, the Norman Conqueror

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Context Illustration Reading 1/24 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
Upon the ground where the brave Harold fell, William the Norman afterwards founded an abbey, which, under the name of Battle Abbey, was a rich and splendid place through many a troubled year, though now it is a grey ruin overgrown with ivy.
But the first work he had to do, was to conquer the English thoroughly; and that, as you know by this time, was hard work for any man.
He ravaged several counties; he burned and plundered many towns; he laid waste scores upon scores of miles of pleasant country; he destroyed innumerable lives.
At length Stigand, Archbishop of Canterbury, with other representatives of the clergy and the people, went to his camp, and submitted to him.
Edgar, the insignificant son of Edmund Ironside, was proclaimed King by others, but nothing came of it.
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LEARNER DICTIONARY
Archivist
/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/
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A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

A Child's History of England

Chapter VIII · England Under William the First, the Norman Conqueror

Reading 1/24 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
Upon the ground where the brave Harold fell, William the Norman afterwards founded an abbey, which, under the name of Battle Abbey, was a rich and splendid place through many a troubled year, though now it is a grey ruin overgrown with ivy.
Line 2
But the first work he had to do, was to conquer the English thoroughly; and that, as you know by this time, was hard work for any man.
Line 3
He ravaged several counties; he burned and plundered many towns; he laid waste scores upon scores of miles of pleasant country; he destroyed innumerable lives.
Line 4
At length Stigand, Archbishop of Canterbury, with other representatives of the clergy and the people, went to his camp, and submitted to him.
Line 5
Edgar, the insignificant son of Edmund Ironside, was proclaimed King by others, but nothing came of it.

Learner Dictionary

Oxford-style entry order: headword, part of speech, US IPA, concise definition, contextual example, audio, and collocations from this reading.

Camp noun US /camp/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “At length Stigand, Archbishop of Canterbury, with other representatives of the clergy and the people, went to his camp, and submitted to him.”

First noun US /first/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “But the first work he had to do, was to conquer the English thoroughly; and that, as you know by this time, was hard work for any man.”

Know noun US /know/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “But the first work he had to do, was to conquer the English thoroughly; and that, as you know by this time, was hard work for any man.”

Length noun US /leŋθ/

a period of time or extent

From this reading “At length Stigand, Archbishop of Canterbury, with other representatives of the clergy and the people, went to his camp, and submitted to him.”

Name noun US /name/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “Upon the ground where the brave Harold fell, William the Norman afterwards founded an abbey, which, under the name of Battle Abbey, was a rich and splendid place through many a troubled year, though now it is a grey ruin overgrown with ivy.”

Nothing pronoun US /ˈnʌθɪŋ/

not one thing; not anything

From this reading “Edgar, the insignificant son of Edmund Ironside, was proclaimed King by others, but nothing came of it.”

Pleasant noun US /pleasant/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “He ravaged several counties; he burned and plundered many towns; he laid waste scores upon scores of miles of pleasant country; he destroyed innumerable lives.”

Plundered verb US /ˈplʌndərd/

stole goods or valuables by force after an attack

From this reading “He ravaged several counties; he burned and plundered many towns; he laid waste scores upon scores of miles of pleasant country; he destroyed innumerable lives.”

Several noun US /ˈseveral/

a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage

From this reading “He ravaged several counties; he burned and plundered many towns; he laid waste scores upon scores of miles of pleasant country; he destroyed innumerable lives.”

Though conjunction US /ðoʊ/

in spite of the fact that

From this reading “Upon the ground where the brave Harold fell, William the Norman afterwards founded an abbey, which, under the name of Battle Abbey, was a rich and splendid place through many a troubled year, though now it is a grey ruin overgrown with ivy.”

Through noun US /ˈthrough/

a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage

From this reading “Upon the ground where the brave Harold fell, William the Norman afterwards founded an abbey, which, under the name of Battle Abbey, was a rich and splendid place through many a troubled year, though now it is a grey ruin overgrown with ivy.”

Time noun US /time/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “But the first work he had to do, was to conquer the English thoroughly; and that, as you know by this time, was hard work for any man.”

Under preposition US /ˈʌndər/

below or beneath something; less than

From this reading “Upon the ground where the brave Harold fell, William the Norman afterwards founded an abbey, which, under the name of Battle Abbey, was a rich and splendid place through many a troubled year, though now it is a grey ruin overgrown with ivy.”

Upon preposition US /əˈpɑːn/

a formal word for “on”

From this reading “Upon the ground where the brave Harold fell, William the Norman afterwards founded an abbey, which, under the name of Battle Abbey, was a rich and splendid place through many a troubled year, though now it is a grey ruin overgrown with ivy.”

Waste noun US /weɪst/

an empty, uncultivated area of land

From this reading “He ravaged several counties; he burned and plundered many towns; he laid waste scores upon scores of miles of pleasant country; he destroyed innumerable lives.”

Went noun US /went/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “At length Stigand, Archbishop of Canterbury, with other representatives of the clergy and the people, went to his camp, and submitted to him.”

All words in this reading · 97

Every word is available to listen to. Dictionary details are shown only when verified; these are not licensed Oxford entries.

adeterminerUS /ə/

used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one

From this reading Upon the ground where the brave Harold fell, William the Norman afterwards founded an abbey, which, under the name of Battle Abbey, was a rich and splendid place through many a troubled year, though now it is a grey ruin overgrown with ivy.

abbey

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Upon the ground where the brave Harold fell, William the Norman afterwards founded an abbey, which, under the name of Battle Abbey, was a rich and splendid place through many a troubled year, though now it is a grey ruin overgrown with ivy.

afterwards

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Upon the ground where the brave Harold fell, William the Norman afterwards founded an abbey, which, under the name of Battle Abbey, was a rich and splendid place through many a troubled year, though now it is a grey ruin overgrown with ivy.

andeterminerUS /æn/

the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound

From this reading Upon the ground where the brave Harold fell, William the Norman afterwards founded an abbey, which, under the name of Battle Abbey, was a rich and splendid place through many a troubled year, though now it is a grey ruin overgrown with ivy.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together

From this reading Upon the ground where the brave Harold fell, William the Norman afterwards founded an abbey, which, under the name of Battle Abbey, was a rich and splendid place through many a troubled year, though now it is a grey ruin overgrown with ivy.

any

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading But the first work he had to do, was to conquer the English thoroughly; and that, as you know by this time, was hard work for any man.

Archbishop

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading At length Stigand, Archbishop of Canterbury, with other representatives of the clergy and the people, went to his camp, and submitted to him.

asconjunctionUS /æz/

at the same time that; because; in the way that

From this reading But the first work he had to do, was to conquer the English thoroughly; and that, as you know by this time, was hard work for any man.

AtprepositionUS /æt/

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading At length Stigand, Archbishop of Canterbury, with other representatives of the clergy and the people, went to his camp, and submitted to him.

Battle

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Upon the ground where the brave Harold fell, William the Norman afterwards founded an abbey, which, under the name of Battle Abbey, was a rich and splendid place through many a troubled year, though now it is a grey ruin overgrown with ivy.

brave

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Upon the ground where the brave Harold fell, William the Norman afterwards founded an abbey, which, under the name of Battle Abbey, was a rich and splendid place through many a troubled year, though now it is a grey ruin overgrown with ivy.

burned

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading He ravaged several counties; he burned and plundered many towns; he laid waste scores upon scores of miles of pleasant country; he destroyed innumerable lives.

ButconjunctionUS /bʌt/

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading But the first work he had to do, was to conquer the English thoroughly; and that, as you know by this time, was hard work for any man.

byprepositionUS /baɪ/

showing who or what does the action

From this reading But the first work he had to do, was to conquer the English thoroughly; and that, as you know by this time, was hard work for any man.

came

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Edgar, the insignificant son of Edmund Ironside, was proclaimed King by others, but nothing came of it.

camp

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading At length Stigand, Archbishop of Canterbury, with other representatives of the clergy and the people, went to his camp, and submitted to him.

Canterbury

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading At length Stigand, Archbishop of Canterbury, with other representatives of the clergy and the people, went to his camp, and submitted to him.

clergy

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading At length Stigand, Archbishop of Canterbury, with other representatives of the clergy and the people, went to his camp, and submitted to him.

conquer

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading But the first work he had to do, was to conquer the English thoroughly; and that, as you know by this time, was hard work for any man.

counties

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading He ravaged several counties; he burned and plundered many towns; he laid waste scores upon scores of miles of pleasant country; he destroyed innumerable lives.

country

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading He ravaged several counties; he burned and plundered many towns; he laid waste scores upon scores of miles of pleasant country; he destroyed innumerable lives.

destroyed

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading He ravaged several counties; he burned and plundered many towns; he laid waste scores upon scores of miles of pleasant country; he destroyed innumerable lives.

doauxiliary verbUS /duː/

used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis

From this reading But the first work he had to do, was to conquer the English thoroughly; and that, as you know by this time, was hard work for any man.

Edgar

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Edgar, the insignificant son of Edmund Ironside, was proclaimed King by others, but nothing came of it.

Edmund

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Edgar, the insignificant son of Edmund Ironside, was proclaimed King by others, but nothing came of it.

English

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading But the first work he had to do, was to conquer the English thoroughly; and that, as you know by this time, was hard work for any man.

fell

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Upon the ground where the brave Harold fell, William the Norman afterwards founded an abbey, which, under the name of Battle Abbey, was a rich and splendid place through many a troubled year, though now it is a grey ruin overgrown with ivy.

firstnounUS /first/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading But the first work he had to do, was to conquer the English thoroughly; and that, as you know by this time, was hard work for any man.

forprepositionUS /fɔːr/

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading But the first work he had to do, was to conquer the English thoroughly; and that, as you know by this time, was hard work for any man.

founded

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Upon the ground where the brave Harold fell, William the Norman afterwards founded an abbey, which, under the name of Battle Abbey, was a rich and splendid place through many a troubled year, though now it is a grey ruin overgrown with ivy.

grey

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Upon the ground where the brave Harold fell, William the Norman afterwards founded an abbey, which, under the name of Battle Abbey, was a rich and splendid place through many a troubled year, though now it is a grey ruin overgrown with ivy.

ground

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Upon the ground where the brave Harold fell, William the Norman afterwards founded an abbey, which, under the name of Battle Abbey, was a rich and splendid place through many a troubled year, though now it is a grey ruin overgrown with ivy.

hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/

the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect

From this reading But the first work he had to do, was to conquer the English thoroughly; and that, as you know by this time, was hard work for any man.

hard

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading But the first work he had to do, was to conquer the English thoroughly; and that, as you know by this time, was hard work for any man.

Harold

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Upon the ground where the brave Harold fell, William the Norman afterwards founded an abbey, which, under the name of Battle Abbey, was a rich and splendid place through many a troubled year, though now it is a grey ruin overgrown with ivy.

hepronounUS /hiː/

a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading But the first work he had to do, was to conquer the English thoroughly; and that, as you know by this time, was hard work for any man.

himpronounUS /hɪm/

the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading At length Stigand, Archbishop of Canterbury, with other representatives of the clergy and the people, went to his camp, and submitted to him.

hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/

belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned

From this reading At length Stigand, Archbishop of Canterbury, with other representatives of the clergy and the people, went to his camp, and submitted to him.

innumerable

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading He ravaged several counties; he burned and plundered many towns; he laid waste scores upon scores of miles of pleasant country; he destroyed innumerable lives.

insignificant

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Edgar, the insignificant son of Edmund Ironside, was proclaimed King by others, but nothing came of it.

Ironside

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Edgar, the insignificant son of Edmund Ironside, was proclaimed King by others, but nothing came of it.

isauxiliary verbUS /ɪz/

the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun

From this reading Upon the ground where the brave Harold fell, William the Norman afterwards founded an abbey, which, under the name of Battle Abbey, was a rich and splendid place through many a troubled year, though now it is a grey ruin overgrown with ivy.

itpronounUS /ɪt/

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading Upon the ground where the brave Harold fell, William the Norman afterwards founded an abbey, which, under the name of Battle Abbey, was a rich and splendid place through many a troubled year, though now it is a grey ruin overgrown with ivy.

ivy

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Upon the ground where the brave Harold fell, William the Norman afterwards founded an abbey, which, under the name of Battle Abbey, was a rich and splendid place through many a troubled year, though now it is a grey ruin overgrown with ivy.

King

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Edgar, the insignificant son of Edmund Ironside, was proclaimed King by others, but nothing came of it.

knownounUS /know/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading But the first work he had to do, was to conquer the English thoroughly; and that, as you know by this time, was hard work for any man.

laid

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading He ravaged several counties; he burned and plundered many towns; he laid waste scores upon scores of miles of pleasant country; he destroyed innumerable lives.

lengthnounUS /leŋθ/

a period of time or extent

From this reading At length Stigand, Archbishop of Canterbury, with other representatives of the clergy and the people, went to his camp, and submitted to him.

lives

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading He ravaged several counties; he burned and plundered many towns; he laid waste scores upon scores of miles of pleasant country; he destroyed innumerable lives.

man

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading But the first work he had to do, was to conquer the English thoroughly; and that, as you know by this time, was hard work for any man.

many

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Upon the ground where the brave Harold fell, William the Norman afterwards founded an abbey, which, under the name of Battle Abbey, was a rich and splendid place through many a troubled year, though now it is a grey ruin overgrown with ivy.

miles

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading He ravaged several counties; he burned and plundered many towns; he laid waste scores upon scores of miles of pleasant country; he destroyed innumerable lives.

namenounUS /name/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading Upon the ground where the brave Harold fell, William the Norman afterwards founded an abbey, which, under the name of Battle Abbey, was a rich and splendid place through many a troubled year, though now it is a grey ruin overgrown with ivy.

Norman

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Upon the ground where the brave Harold fell, William the Norman afterwards founded an abbey, which, under the name of Battle Abbey, was a rich and splendid place through many a troubled year, though now it is a grey ruin overgrown with ivy.

nothingpronounUS /ˈnʌθɪŋ/

not one thing; not anything

From this reading Edgar, the insignificant son of Edmund Ironside, was proclaimed King by others, but nothing came of it.

now

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Upon the ground where the brave Harold fell, William the Norman afterwards founded an abbey, which, under the name of Battle Abbey, was a rich and splendid place through many a troubled year, though now it is a grey ruin overgrown with ivy.

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Upon the ground where the brave Harold fell, William the Norman afterwards founded an abbey, which, under the name of Battle Abbey, was a rich and splendid place through many a troubled year, though now it is a grey ruin overgrown with ivy.

other

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading At length Stigand, Archbishop of Canterbury, with other representatives of the clergy and the people, went to his camp, and submitted to him.

others

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Edgar, the insignificant son of Edmund Ironside, was proclaimed King by others, but nothing came of it.

overgrown

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Upon the ground where the brave Harold fell, William the Norman afterwards founded an abbey, which, under the name of Battle Abbey, was a rich and splendid place through many a troubled year, though now it is a grey ruin overgrown with ivy.

people

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading At length Stigand, Archbishop of Canterbury, with other representatives of the clergy and the people, went to his camp, and submitted to him.

place

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Upon the ground where the brave Harold fell, William the Norman afterwards founded an abbey, which, under the name of Battle Abbey, was a rich and splendid place through many a troubled year, though now it is a grey ruin overgrown with ivy.

pleasantnounUS /pleasant/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading He ravaged several counties; he burned and plundered many towns; he laid waste scores upon scores of miles of pleasant country; he destroyed innumerable lives.

plunderedverbUS /ˈplʌndərd/

stole goods or valuables by force after an attack

From this reading He ravaged several counties; he burned and plundered many towns; he laid waste scores upon scores of miles of pleasant country; he destroyed innumerable lives.

proclaimed

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Edgar, the insignificant son of Edmund Ironside, was proclaimed King by others, but nothing came of it.

ravaged

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading He ravaged several counties; he burned and plundered many towns; he laid waste scores upon scores of miles of pleasant country; he destroyed innumerable lives.

representatives

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading At length Stigand, Archbishop of Canterbury, with other representatives of the clergy and the people, went to his camp, and submitted to him.

rich

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Upon the ground where the brave Harold fell, William the Norman afterwards founded an abbey, which, under the name of Battle Abbey, was a rich and splendid place through many a troubled year, though now it is a grey ruin overgrown with ivy.

ruin

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Upon the ground where the brave Harold fell, William the Norman afterwards founded an abbey, which, under the name of Battle Abbey, was a rich and splendid place through many a troubled year, though now it is a grey ruin overgrown with ivy.

scores

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading He ravaged several counties; he burned and plundered many towns; he laid waste scores upon scores of miles of pleasant country; he destroyed innumerable lives.

several

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading He ravaged several counties; he burned and plundered many towns; he laid waste scores upon scores of miles of pleasant country; he destroyed innumerable lives.

son

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Edgar, the insignificant son of Edmund Ironside, was proclaimed King by others, but nothing came of it.

splendid

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Upon the ground where the brave Harold fell, William the Norman afterwards founded an abbey, which, under the name of Battle Abbey, was a rich and splendid place through many a troubled year, though now it is a grey ruin overgrown with ivy.

Stigand

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading At length Stigand, Archbishop of Canterbury, with other representatives of the clergy and the people, went to his camp, and submitted to him.

submitted

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading At length Stigand, Archbishop of Canterbury, with other representatives of the clergy and the people, went to his camp, and submitted to him.

thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading But the first work he had to do, was to conquer the English thoroughly; and that, as you know by this time, was hard work for any man.

thedeterminerUS /ðə/

used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind

From this reading Upon the ground where the brave Harold fell, William the Norman afterwards founded an abbey, which, under the name of Battle Abbey, was a rich and splendid place through many a troubled year, though now it is a grey ruin overgrown with ivy.

thisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/

used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned

From this reading But the first work he had to do, was to conquer the English thoroughly; and that, as you know by this time, was hard work for any man.

thoroughly

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading But the first work he had to do, was to conquer the English thoroughly; and that, as you know by this time, was hard work for any man.

thoughconjunctionUS /ðoʊ/

in spite of the fact that

From this reading Upon the ground where the brave Harold fell, William the Norman afterwards founded an abbey, which, under the name of Battle Abbey, was a rich and splendid place through many a troubled year, though now it is a grey ruin overgrown with ivy.

throughnounUS /ˈthrough/

a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage

From this reading Upon the ground where the brave Harold fell, William the Norman afterwards founded an abbey, which, under the name of Battle Abbey, was a rich and splendid place through many a troubled year, though now it is a grey ruin overgrown with ivy.

timenounUS /time/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading But the first work he had to do, was to conquer the English thoroughly; and that, as you know by this time, was hard work for any man.

toparticleUS /tuː/

used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive

From this reading But the first work he had to do, was to conquer the English thoroughly; and that, as you know by this time, was hard work for any man.

towns

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading He ravaged several counties; he burned and plundered many towns; he laid waste scores upon scores of miles of pleasant country; he destroyed innumerable lives.

troubled

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Upon the ground where the brave Harold fell, William the Norman afterwards founded an abbey, which, under the name of Battle Abbey, was a rich and splendid place through many a troubled year, though now it is a grey ruin overgrown with ivy.

underprepositionUS /ˈʌndər/

below or beneath something; less than

From this reading Upon the ground where the brave Harold fell, William the Norman afterwards founded an abbey, which, under the name of Battle Abbey, was a rich and splendid place through many a troubled year, though now it is a grey ruin overgrown with ivy.

UponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/

a formal word for “on”

From this reading Upon the ground where the brave Harold fell, William the Norman afterwards founded an abbey, which, under the name of Battle Abbey, was a rich and splendid place through many a troubled year, though now it is a grey ruin overgrown with ivy.

wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/

the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun

From this reading Upon the ground where the brave Harold fell, William the Norman afterwards founded an abbey, which, under the name of Battle Abbey, was a rich and splendid place through many a troubled year, though now it is a grey ruin overgrown with ivy.

wastenounUS /weɪst/

an empty, uncultivated area of land

From this reading He ravaged several counties; he burned and plundered many towns; he laid waste scores upon scores of miles of pleasant country; he destroyed innumerable lives.

wentnounUS /went/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading At length Stigand, Archbishop of Canterbury, with other representatives of the clergy and the people, went to his camp, and submitted to him.

whereconjunctionUS /wer/

in or at the place that

From this reading Upon the ground where the brave Harold fell, William the Norman afterwards founded an abbey, which, under the name of Battle Abbey, was a rich and splendid place through many a troubled year, though now it is a grey ruin overgrown with ivy.

whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/

used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned

From this reading Upon the ground where the brave Harold fell, William the Norman afterwards founded an abbey, which, under the name of Battle Abbey, was a rich and splendid place through many a troubled year, though now it is a grey ruin overgrown with ivy.

William

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Upon the ground where the brave Harold fell, William the Norman afterwards founded an abbey, which, under the name of Battle Abbey, was a rich and splendid place through many a troubled year, though now it is a grey ruin overgrown with ivy.

withprepositionUS /wɪð/

in the company of; together with

From this reading Upon the ground where the brave Harold fell, William the Norman afterwards founded an abbey, which, under the name of Battle Abbey, was a rich and splendid place through many a troubled year, though now it is a grey ruin overgrown with ivy.

work

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading But the first work he had to do, was to conquer the English thoroughly; and that, as you know by this time, was hard work for any man.

year

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Upon the ground where the brave Harold fell, William the Norman afterwards founded an abbey, which, under the name of Battle Abbey, was a rich and splendid place through many a troubled year, though now it is a grey ruin overgrown with ivy.

youpronounUS /juː/

the person or people being spoken to

From this reading But the first work he had to do, was to conquer the English thoroughly; and that, as you know by this time, was hard work for any man.