1.3.7 William II & His Inheritance Flashcards
After William I died, who did he choose as his successor?
His son, William Rufus
What does ‘rufus’ mean?
Red - William was given this name because of his red skin and hair
How did William Rufus become king?
William Rufus travelled to England on 7/8 September 1087. He brought a letter to Archbishop Lanfranc. The letter stated that Lanfranc was to assist Rufus.The next day William I died. 26 September 1087: William Rufus’s coronation took place at Westminster Abbey
How did William II have an issue with poor family relations?
- William I had a bad relationship with Robert Curthose, his eldest son.
- William I did not want Robert to become king. King William I supposedly said ‘But I know for certain that the country which is subject to his dominion will be truly wretched.’
- When William Rufus became king instead of him, Robert Curthose was angry.
How did William II have an issue with the oath? (2)
- The Norman barons had already sworn an oath to Robert, and believed that Normandy and England should now be united
- Tradition in Normandy said that lands and estates should be given to the eldest son
How did William II have an issue with Odo’s rebellion?
- Bishop Odo was let out of prison in 1087.
- Bishop Odo, King William I’s half brother, decided to support Robert Curthose as King, instead of William Rufus.
- The people and nobles of England supported William Rufus
- Odo failed to gain enough support and was exiled after his rebellion failed
What was William II’s response to Odo’s rebellion?
William II acted defensively and was able to split the rebels apart. Odo and William Rufus’ brother (Robert Curthose) had failed in their revolution. William Rufus became King William II and would rule England until 1100.
What did William I say about his son Robert Curthose?
‘But I know for certain that the country which is subject to his dominion will be truly wretched’
