But though this story may be doubted, it is certain that the
pious king above mentioned granted Windsor to the abbot and monks of
Saint Peter at Westminster, "for the hope of eternal reward, the
remission of his sins, the sins of his father, mother, and all his
ancestors, and to the praise of Almighty God, as a perpetual
endowment and inheritance."
But the royal donation did not long remain in the hands of the
priesthood. Struck by the extreme beauty of the spot, "for that it
seemed exceeding profitable and commodious, because situate so
near the Thames, the wood fit for game, and many other particulars
lying there, meet and necessary for kings--yea, a place very convenient
for his reception," William the Conqueror prevailed upon Abbot Edwin to
accept in exchange for it Wakendune and Feringes, in Essex, together
with three other tenements in Colchester; and having obtained
possession of the coveted hill, he forthwith began to erect a castle
upon it--occupying a space of about half a hide of land. Around it he
formed large parks, to enable him to pursue his favourite pastime of
hunting; and he enacted and enforced severe laws for the preservation
of the game.
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