Sir,—Paul Duffy’s interesting article on Hugh II de Lacy and the Albigensian Crusade (HI 24.5, Sept./Oct.) makes no mention of the central fact of that event which, like the ‘crusades’ to Jerusalem, involved the slaughter or burning of thousands of men, women and children. I would also query the use of the word ‘heresy’ without the quotation marks. This is to accept the Roman Catholic narrative of history. The Cathars did not regard themselves as ‘heretics’. Another example of the winners writing the story, I suppose.—Yours etc.,
GERRY McALISTER