A repeat of the excellent three part documentary series 'The Normans' was shown last night on BBC4. By some strange coincidence, I have been researching Maidencombe's Norman connection from the Domesday 'Medenecome' extract of 1086.
The research had started from an obscure direction. One of my hobbies is the collecting and renovation of 54mm lead knights (see my website 'Metal knights' at
http://www.timpoknights.blogspot.com)
and the associated subject of heraldry. Whilst browsing coats of arms, I came across those of Baldwin or Baudouin de Meules, who accompanied the Duke of Normandy (King William I) on his Norman Conquest of England in 1066.
The Medenecome or Medenecoma story of Norman subjugation is clouded in mystery and intrigue and is far more complicated than the usual (and only) reference line:
'Medenecome (Maidencombe) was held by Baldwin, Sherrif of Exeter'. More to follow ...