ideals of knighthood, as illustrated by improbable stories scattered through his history; for example he states that William, with 50 of his knights, fought and bested a force of 1000. This represents a clear exaggeration. William of Poitiers also relates Duke William's exploits to those of the Greek and Roman world. For example, there is a lengthy comparison between William and Caesar's conquest of Britain. Not only was this done to flatter Duke William but also shows William of Poitiers' own knowledge. Battle of Hastings The Gesta Guillelmi provides the traditional narrative of the Battle of Hastings. William of Poitiers gives detailed descriptions of the composition of both the Norman and Anglo Saxon armies. Furthermore, he describes the famous 'feigned flight' manoeuvre. References Primary sources William of Poitiers, Gesta Guillelmi, ed. and tr. Modern edition, with English translation and commentary. Earlier editions include: Edition, with modern French translation. Orderic Vitalis, Historia ecclesiastica, ed. and tr. 1020s births 1090 deaths 11th-century French historians 11th-century Normans Norman conquest of England 11th-century English historians 11th-century Latin writers