h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Born 1030 Normandy. Half-brother of Duke William of Normandy.

1049. Appointed Bishop of Bayeaux by Duke William.

1050-66. Generous sponsor of arts, especially architecture. Becomes noted church leader.

1066 Norman Conquest. Normans beat Saxons at the dramatic Battle of Hastings, in which Odo distinguishes himself and argueably saves the day for the Normans. European and subsequently world history changed forever. Duke William is now King William I of Englahd - William the Conqueror.

1067. Rewarded with massive estates and titles by William. Assumes vast power. Earl of Kent, Justice of England among other titles. Essentially, Odo becomes the law at this point. A great rivalry with Lanfranc, Archbishop of Canturbury born, as Odo attempts to seize lands around Canturbury Cathedral.

1077. Rebuilds Bayeaux Cathedral at massive expense. Houses many treasures, including the remarkable Bayeuax Tapestry - funded by Odo -which portrays him as masterminding the Norman Conquest.

1067-82. Widespread abuses of power in England. Destroys sea trade in Dover by allowing an uncle to build a windmill in the harbour entrance. Confiscates lands, embezzles riches, destroys Bristol and Durham. Hated by the Saxons. Goes somewhat loopy with power, especially after hearing that a soothsayer has foretold that an 'Odo' will be the next Pope. Tries to set sail for Rome, but apprehended by King William - with opportunistic chicanery by Lanfranc - and exiled to Rouen, and apparent impending obscurity.

1088. King William dies. Is haraunged into pardoning Odo by Odo's brother. Duke Robert - heir apparant to English throne - falls somewhat under Odo's spell. Odo released from prison and recovers many of his previous titles and powers.

William Rufus - supported by Lanfranc - becomes king. Odo leads a rebellion by supporters of Duke Robert.

1088 March - seige of Pevensey Castle. Castle, held by Odo's brother, falls.

1088 June - siege of Tonbridge Castle. Castle garrison surrenders to King Rufus.

1088 July - Odo is marched to Rochester under heavy guard to instruct the garrison to serrender. It is a trick: a party of knights snatches Odo and takes him into the castle. Fierce fighting for several weeks. Odo hangs prisoners from the battlements: this enrages the local population. 30,000 Saxons unite with their Norman rulers and lay an impenetrable siege on Rochester. Eventually garrison capitules due to disease.

1088 September - Odo banished again to Rouen. However, remains influential in Normandy, and eventually dies in Palermo in 1092, on the way to the First Crusade. The Pope who called for the crusade was Urban II - whose original name was Odo.

Many questions remain, including a tantalising hint of a son - Stephen of Albermare - whose existance it seems impossible to verify, but is a fantastic other aspect to Odo.