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a.
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Note: William de St. John is stated to have been a companion of the Conqueror, which is possibly true; but he is also described as the "Grand Master of Artillery" -- a title which would mislead a reader who was not sufficiently an antiquary to know that Artillaria, was a term in use long before the invention of cannon, and signified munitions of war in general, but more especially the machines constructed for the purpose of casting heavy stones and other missiles, movable towers for assaulting a castle, battering rams, etc. It would be interesting to discover what authority there is for this family tradition. In the Bayeux Tapestry we see men bearing body armour and lances to the ships, but no catapults, mangonels, or balist�; nor does Wace or any other author speak of such engines being conveyed on board the fleet to England; but in the wider sense of the word, as may be seen by reference to Ducange, William de St. John might have been Magister Artillari�, having the care of all the military stores, armour, and weapons included.
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