theme 4 - normandy

What happened to the protection that William had from invasion in 1066?

The protection was short lived as the independantly minded Maine grew ever precarious

What happened in Maine in 1069?

Maine revolted falling under the control of Geoffrey of Mayenne.

Who was in charge of reacting and why was this ineffective?

Williams wife as he was away campaigning in England who lacked the forces or command ability to deal with the crisis

Who maintained their control of Maine and what example is given of his struggles?

Geoffrey of Mayenne maintained his position over a rebelious population, with the only difficulty of losing the town of Le Mans for most of 1070

What happened in 1072 which made the situation more perilous?

Maine was seized by Fulk Le Rechin, Count of Anjou that also ended a bitter succesion dispute between Fulk and his brother

Why did William not act immediately in 1072?

He felt securing the frontier on the other side of the Norman Empire provided more pressing and he invaded Scotland that summer

What does William of Poitiers (Source 1) suggest about William's invasion of Maine?

That it was brutal and 'inflicted innumerable calamities upon the land'

What does the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle (Source 2) suggest about William's invasion of Maine?

That William spoiled the land by destroying it all

What strongholds did William quickly attack in Maine?

Fresnay, Beaumont and Sille

How did William manage to take the capital of Maine?

He surrounded the capital of Le Mans and it surrendered without need of seige

How did King Philip of France feel about the Normans when coming out of his minority (Childhood)?

He was determined to oppose Norman dominance

How did King Philip I raise his profile through marriages and allegiances?

In 1072, he married Robert of Flander's half-sister Bertha of Hainault. And he offered Edgar Aethling the Castle of Montreuil-sur-mer as a base to harrass Normandy

How did William react to Philip's attempt to befriend Edgar the Atheling?

He immediately readmitted Edgar back into his court to re befriend him

Which event gave Philip the chance to act?

The revolt of three earls in 1075 gave Philip the chance to enage William directly, Earl Ralph de Gaul fled back to Brittany, establishing himself in the castle of Dol.

What evidence is there of an anti-Norman coalition forming in 1075?

De Gaul was reinforced by troops from Anjou, , indicating an anti-norman coalition forming

How did William react and was he successful?

William advanced into brittany in September 1076, and harried the land and lay seige to Dol, the castle held out and by November, Philip arrived at the head of army. Forcing William into retreat.

Why might some suggest the failure at Dol was hugely significant?

He lost 'Both men and horses, and many of his teasures'. He also failed to remove Ralph De Gaul. Williams reputation for invincibility was tarnished.

What evidence is there that 'William's opponents were emboldened'?

in late 1076 or early 1077, Count of Anjou attacked John of La Fleche, one of Williams strongest supporters in Maine, in order to undermine Norman Control

What happened in late 1076/77 that showed some strength of William?

William broke Anjou's seige

What happened in 1077 that reveals William's opponents were taking full advantage of the situation?

Simon of Crepi, the ruler of the Vexin, retired to a Monastery, and Philip immediately occupied this crucial buffer zone without opposition from William. Making the King of France and England effective Neighbours on the river Epte

What evidence is there to suggest Robert Curthose 'had been a loyal son' prior to 1077?

He was appointed Count of Maine in 1066 and assisted his mother Matilda in governing the Duchy in 1067 ans assumed greater responsability in 1068 after Matilda departed for England 1068

How did William see his son?

Spoilt and irresponsible, often subjecting him to taunts and humiliations at court.

What did Robert start doing in 1077?

He demanded more power and became increasingly angry, but turned away by his father. He soon entered a brawl with his brothers and the next day Robert signalled revolt and made a foolhardy attempt to seize Rouen castle before fleeing into exile

What does Orderic Vitalis suggest about Robert (use a quote!)?

That he was more than willing to take full responsibility for Normandy and have more power. " I want to at least have property" and "i am not prepared to be your Hierling forever"

How did William's movements mean further conflict within the family?

Willaim laid seige to the castle of gerberoy, a gift to Robert from Philip. In Battle, Robert injured his father and his brother William Rufus

What evidence is there of rising tensions in late 1077/early 1078 between Robert and his family?

He injured his father and brother in the seige of Gerberoy and took many prisoners

What other great families were supporting Robert in the generational divide?

Robert was supplied by Philip, but also by his mother Matilda behind the scenes behind Williams back.

What does Orderic Vitalis suggest about Robert in Source 5?

talkative, extravagant, reckless and very courageous in battle. a powerful archer with a clear and fluent voice,

How did William of Malmesbury describe the defeat at Gerberoy?

William the Conquerers greatest humilliation

How did King Malcolm in Scotland react which shows further weakness?

He took advantage of the situation, ravaging land past the border from the Rivers Tweed to Tees from August to September 1079.

Who helped to mediate between William and Robert?

Roger of Montgomery and Roger of Beaumont

Which other key figure urged reconciliation?

The Pope

What was the outcome in Easter 1080?

William welcomed Robert back to Normandy and reconfirmed his inheritance

How did Robert repay William as a 'dutiful son'?

He set out on his fathers behalf to punish Scotland, leaving his own stamp on history by founding Newcastle

How is William described by Christmas 1085?

He was extremely fat and had recently lost his adored wife

What evidence is there that William's Ango-Norman empire was 'surrounded by enemies'?

King Cnut IV of Denmark was threatening invasion of England, while Malcolm stood hostile on the Scotish border, ready to take advantage.

What was Bishop Odo attempting to do?

Williams half-brother,was trying to ferment rebellion from prison

What was William's relationship with Robert Curthose by 1085?

Robert was once again in exile, having fled in 1084 after arguing against his father again.

What was Robert doing during this period and was it particularly threatening?

He travelled widely rather than attempting a new campaign, spending time in Italy and Germany

What was the threat of Denmark by 1086?

It had all but diminished

What happened in the summer of 1087 and how did William react?

The French kings garrison at Mantes began raiding into Normandy, William fought once more and devestated the Vexin. And put Mantes to the torch.

What happened to William that led to his death?

As he rode through the burning town of Mantes, his horse took fright, flinging him against the pommel of his saddle, in Agony, William retreated to Rouen and then to the priory at Saint Gervase. It was clear he was dying, and William Rufus and Henry came to his bedside but Robert stayed away.

What two accounts have survived of William's death?

De obti Willelmi 'on the death of King William' written by an anonymous monk at St Stephens in Caen

And by Orderic Vitalis produced over 50 years later

How did William reveal his pious nature upon his deathbed?

He confessed his sins,, made lavish bequeaths to the Church

Who did William release from captivity?

Again to please God, he released all of his prisoners, including Earl Morcar, Earl Roger and King Harolds brother, Wulfnoth, held hostage since 1051. All except for Odo of Bayeux

Who was given the duchy of Normandy? Who was given England (and then who was it passed onto?)

Formally commited the Duchy of Normandy to Robert, And claimed he would grant England to God and hoped God would grant it to William Rufus.

Finally, William gave Henry £5,000

Was William's division of lands typical upon his death?

It conformed to the Norman custom of Norman lands goint to the Eldest son and the lands in England to the Second son.

Why did William provide lands to Robert, regardless of the fact he did not wish to?

It was due to pressure from his magnates and and the binding nature of previous promises

What did William say to Henry regarding the division?

'Be satisfied, my son… patiently allow your elder brother to take precedance over you, Robert will have Normandy, and William England. But you in your own time will have all the dominions i have acquired'

How did Robert Curthose rebuild his influence in Normandy?

He used his money, past followers were rewarded and new ones brought in

What problem did it cause him?

It cost the treasury a lot of money,

How did Henry help with the problem?

Henry gave Robert £3,000 to ease pressure of f of the treasury in return for grants and rights over the Coutances and Avranchin regions in West Normandy.

What did Henry give to the church following his coronation?

William Rufus was crowned King at Westminster on 26 September 1087. And after taking control of the lavish English treasury, he obeted his fathers wishes and donated up to £8,600 to the church

What problem was created for Anglo-Norman lords on the death of William the Conqueror?

It created a conflict of loyalty, with lands on both sides of the channel, the magnates had to serve two lords, with displays of fealty to one meant the other would take their estate

Who lead the conspirators?

Bishop Odo with many leading magnates convened to discuss the situation

What was their solution?

They agreed the only solution was to depose of William Rufus and reunite England snd Normandy under Robert. After Christmas 1087, Robert was informed and pledged his full support

What was the first indication of rebellion for William Rufus?

The absence of many leading men from his court at Easter 1088

Where did Bishop Odo establish his base for the rebellion?

Odo inavded Kent and took up Rochester Castle

Why was it a good choice?

It was strategic as it allowed Canterbury and London to be threatened, while also receiving reinforcements along the Thames and Medway rivers

How large was the garrison?

By summer it stood at 500 knights

Who else rebelled in the south-east?

Gilbert fitzRichards castle at Tonbridge and Robert of Mortains castle at Pevensy allowed the rebels a secure corridor to Normandy

Where was the other main centre of rebellion?

The West where Bishop Geoffrey of Coutances and Robert of Mowbray burnt Bath and Berkely and raided into Wiltshire

Where were there subsidiary revolts?

Three Herefordshire Barons took hereford and Burnt Gloucester with Norman, English and Welsh troops. Aswell as in Leicestershire, Northampton and Durham

How many of the 10 greatest landholders went into revolt against William Rufus?

Six were on the rebels side

What did William Rufus correctly identify?

That Bishop Odo was his biggest opponent

What happened to Robert Curthose relief force?

Rufus marched into Kent in April and By June Pevensy and Ronbridge castles had Fallen, and a relief force sent by Robert was destroyed at Sea

What did William want to do to the rebels?

He realised he needed the support of the magnates and so forgave them. After taking Rochester

Why couldn't he?

he needed their support

What did William Rufus start doing with England's superior resources from the 1090s onwards?

He had his sights set on revenge against Normandy. He began to use the treasury to buy off nobles. in Upper Normandy

Where did the brothers formally make peace?

The brothers made peace in Rouen

What were the terms of the Peace (Source 14)?

The Robert would handover Fecamp and the earldom of of Eu and Cherbourg. Which at the time was controlled by henry, who was the big loser out of all of this

Who did the two brothers attack when they had made peace?

They turned on his brother Henry

What was the outcome?

They laid seige to Mont-Saint-Michel that lasyed from February to April that ended in henrys surrender, who eventually found refuge in Domfront Catsle

Why did Robert and William return to England?

King Malcolm had invaded Northumbria again in May

How did William Rufus break the agreement?

By late 1093, William showed no sign of supporting Robert in Maine

What stopped William's invasion of Normandy in 1094?

King Philip came to Roberts support

Who did William fund to cause problems for Robert?

He arranged for Henry to be supplied with men and resources to continue the war from Domfront

How much did William lend Robert to go on Crusade?

Pope Urban II called Christians on a crusade to retake Jerusalem.William agreed to lend Robert £6,666 and Normandy in return. Robert departed in September 1096

What two successes did William have during his control of Normandy?

He managed to suppress a Welsh revolt in 109, Also by completeing two campaigns in Maine, Norman domination was restored aswell as successfully pushing the power of the French King away from the Vexin

When and how did William die?

An Arrow from Walter Tirrel's bow while on a hunting trip with William killed him on 2 August 1100

Who did many magnates feel should unite the Anglo-Norman throne?

They felt Henrys elder Robert should take the Throne when he returned.

Where did Henry rush to first?

Winchester to secure the royal treasure

Who did Henry persuade to crown him?

The Bishop of Londo in the absence of AofC Anselm on 5 August

What did Henry publish to create Baronial support?

a 'Charter of Liberties' promising to abandon the unjust practices experienced during Williams reign

What else did he do to win over the barons?

He imprisoned the unpopular Royal clerk, Ranulf Lambard, in the tower of London

How did he try to win over his English subjects?

He married Edith, daughter of king Malcolm of Scotland, niece of Edgar Aethling

Which nobles supported Robert when he returned from Crusade and invaded England?

Count William of Mortain, nephew of William the Conqurer. William de Warenne, Earl of Surrey. Ivo og Grandmesnil, Lord of Leicester. And three Montgomery brothers: Robert of Belleme, earl of Shrewsbury. And the most Powerful Norman other than the Royals, Arnulf of Montgommery and Roger of Poitevin

Where did the two brothers meet?

Alton near Winchester

What didn't happen?

There was no fighting and a treaty was brokered

What were the terms of the treaty of Alton?

Robert renounced his claim to the English Throne while Henry surrendered his claim to Normandy and agreed tp pay his brother £2,000 annually.

Who did Henry attack in 1102, breaking the terms of the treaty?

He moved against Robert of Belleme

How did he respond to Henry's attack?

He raised Revolt, And henry returned the favour by raiding Arunde, Tickhill and Bridgenorth

How did he punish Robert of Belleme?

His lands were reacquired and exile in Normandy followed

Who did Oderic Vitalis support? Why?

Henry, he had a personal distaste for Robert

What happened at Le Mans?Why?

Normandy had to surrender Le Mans to Anjou and Maine as Robert was exhausted after pilgramige

What else proved to be embarrassing for Robert?

He was unable to prevent his duchy from slipping into disorder following the arrival of Robert of Belleme

What happened in 1102 with Robert Belleme?

Henrys labelling of Belleme as a traitor meant Robert had to move against him to abide by the treaty of Alton. Robert raided Bellemes castle at Vignats but had a divided army due to latent support for Belleme. So he had to eventually retreat

What happened in 1103 at Exmes?

Belleme burnt a nunery at Almenches and Robert wanted to respond but him having to deal with a rogue noble held in Exmes castle meant Belleme could take him by surprise