I just learned this song. Love it.

I didn't think it referred to any actual specific historical character. Just one of the guys in William the Bastard's gang, who met a woman and settled down in England and ended up as a country squire. His grandchildren probably grew up drinking toats to "Confusion to the French!"

Reminds me just a little of what's happened to poor old Kendall.

Also reminds me of a quote I saw (and this is a rough paraphrase):

The English language is the result of attempts by Norman men-as-arms to make time with Anglo-Saxon tavern wenches, and is no more legitimate than any of the other outcomes of that activity.

Peter.