⌛️Normandy 1066 - 1106 Flashcards
Why did William decided to invade England in 1066?
He regarded himself as the the rightful heir to the throne. According to Norman writers, William was first promised the throne by Edward in 1051
What was the Normans claim for Harold’s visit to Normandy in 1064?
According to the Normans, Edward sent Harold on his behalf to reconfirm his earlier promise in 1051
What are the English account of this event?
Some English sources mention no visit, while others give different versions. For example, one argues that Harold travelled to Normandy in order to secure the release of family members, arguing further that he was forced into swearing an oath to William
Why does William of Normandy’s power to the throne seem unlikely?
While the offer for the throne in 1051 seems plausible - considering Edward had strong links to Normandy from his exile - it seems unlikely that Edward held it valid for later years considering his relationship with Harold
What was the military position of Normandy?
In 1066, they were ready for war. William had an aggressive tightly knit group of powerful nobles, each maintaining highly skilled knights. He was able to financially fund for the war as taxes were being collect efficiently
How did William gain Papal support?
William appealed to Pope Alexander II. In early 1066 Gilbert (archdeacon of Lisieux) was sent to explain the Norman case - he focused on Harold’s broken oath and the poor state of the English Church. As a result Alexander publicly proclaimed his support for the invasion, strengthening his legitimacy
❗️When did conflict in Maine rise?
1069
Explain the conflict in Maine
In 1069 the country revolted, falling under one of its own leaders Geoffrey of Mayenne. William’s wife - in his absent while campaigning in England - lacked the forces or commander ability to deal with the crisis herself
Why in 1072, did events become worrying?
Maine had now been seized by Fulk le Rechin, Count of Anjou. By 1073, England was secure - allowing William to act against Maine. When he arrived he employed surprise attacks and violence and then moved on to devastating the countryside (they surrendered). After just a few weeks after setting out, William was back in Normandy, showing that the reoccupation of Maine shows it was a distraction rather than a major crisis for William
Explain William’s defeat at Dol
King Philip I of France, was determined to oppose Norman dominance. In 1075 - the revolt of the three earls - allowed Philip to engage William. When Ralph de Gael fled back to Brittany and established himself in the Castle of Dol, William in September 1076 harried the land and lay siege to Dol as an act of revenge. However, In November, Philip and his army arrived, surprising William into a retreat
What did the defeat at Dol mean for Wiliam?
The defeat was significant, it was his first military setback and according to the Anglo - Saxon Chronicle, he lost ‘both men and horses, and many of his treasures’. He also failed to remove Ralph de Gael. Additionally it allowed his opponents to attack. For example, in late 1076, Fulk Le Rechin attacked one of William’s strongest supporters in Maine to undermine Norman control
Who was Robert Curthose?
William of Normandy’s eldest son
Why was Robert Curthose demanding more power?
He, along with the sons of some of William’s closely knit warriors, felt they were shut out from their fathers increasing power. It was a generational divide
Why was Robert a serious crisis to William?
He had built up a large and powerful group of knights. Additionally when Robert toured France, Philip I took the opportunity to supply Robert with knights as well as the castle
Explain the battle of Gerbeory in 1078
After being supplied a castle there, this allowed Robert to begin riding in the east of Normandy. William laid siege in the depths of winter and after three weeks the rebels sailed out to battle and unexpectedly won
What added to Williams humiliation?
He had found that his wife betrayed him, through supplying Robert with funds
What happened in 1080?
William welcomed Robert back to Normandy and confirmed his inheritance, from here Robert began to act as a dutiful son
How did King William I die?
In 1085, Willian’s empire was surrounded by enemies. The King of Denmark was threatening to invade England while others waited for opportunities to bring about William’s downfall. In 1087, Philip’s army began raiding in Mantes. William assembled his army and went on the defence touching the place, however as he rode the burning streets, his horse took fright and flung him. William later died from his injuries
What happened to Williams territories?
William was a pious man. To please God he ordered the release of all his prisoners, and also formally committed the Duchy of Normandy to Robert. He left England to God but hoped he would grant it to William II, lastly he left £5,000 to his youngest Henry
When was William II crowned king of England?
26 September 1087
Why did Robert and William create a conflict of loyalty?
For the serving Lords, a wrong decision over who they obey/serve would result in lost of estates
What was the rebellion of 1088?
It was a rebellion from the minority of Anglo-Saxon Lords who supported Robert. They fought through castles
How did William win the rebellion?
With the help of the local English commanders who he left for the smaller problems. William was able to focus on the main rebellion, he was able to destroy Roberts sea relief forces. The royal army set up to siege engines which allowed the castles conditions to deteriorate quickly. Additionally the failure of Robert to support his troops added to the outcome
What happened between Robert and William after the rebellion?
William had his sights on revenge and conquering Normandy and from 1090, began using England’s treasury to win over the nobles of Upper Normandy. However when he arrived in Normandy in 1091, him and Robert made peace - even promising to become each other’s heirs
