Politics of the Realm Flashcards
How did the Normans complete their conquest?
Series of brutal campaigns eg harrying of the North
Robert Bartlett
Managing families and sibling rivalries was central to effective kingship
Managing families and sibling rivalries was central to effective kingship
Robert Bartlett
William I’s succession
Revised and cut out his eldest son, Robert Curthose
Gave kingdom to William Rufus
Why did William I revise the succession?
Hard to say- primary sources differ
One explanation is a Norman tradition where the eldest son should inherit his father’s lands
Death of William II
Henry rushed to gather support
What did Henry do on William’s death?
Issued ‘Coronation charter’ which denounced many aspects of his brothers reign
Imprisoned Ranulf Flambard- confirmed commitment to fair government
Placed William’s inner circle in France as well as Normandy and England
Recalled Anselm
Significance of Normandy under Henry I
Spent 60% of his time there between 1106 and 1135
Henry I tactics
Secure Normandy
Marriage alliances
White Ship 1120
Death of William Adelin (only legitimate son of Henry)
Marriage of Matilda
Married to Geoffrey Plantagenet- traditional enemy of Normandy
Many cited this as the reason for hating her
Mistakes Henry made with the succession
Did not encourage enough support for Geoffrey or their son, Henry of Anjou
Geographical issues with the realm
Territories split by the English channel
How did William Rufus defeat the rebels (Robert Curthose)?
Didnt waste time- laid siege to Rochester, taking Tonbridge and forced Pevensey to surrende
Conflict between Curthose and Rufus suspended
Robert Curthose joined the crusade- mortaged Normandy to his brother
