William Rufus Flashcards
Who was William Rufus?
William Rufus was the second of William the Conqueror’s sons, and became King William II on his father’s death.
Why was his name William Rufus?
William II was known as William Rufus, possibly because of either his rosy cheeks or red hair. He faced serious challenges when he became king.
Who opposed William Rufus when he took power and why
After his coronation, William Rufus faced uprisings by those who supported his brother, Robert Curthose. These included his uncle, Bishop Odo.
❖Robert Curthose was made Duke of Normandy. Lords with land in both England and Normandy didn’t want to answer to two different rulers.
❖Robert Curthose believed he should rule England, as he was William’s eldest son.
What other revolts did William Rufus face apart from Robert and Odo?
As well as those by Odo and Robert, William Rufus had to deal with smaller rebellions.
❖Raids in Somerset and Wiltshire by Robert de Mowbray.
❖A revolt led by Roger Bigod in Norwich and the sheriff of Leicester.
❖Raids in Gloucester by William of Eu.
❖Rebellions in the west led by the Marcher earls Robert de Montgomery and Roger de Lacy.
How did William Rufus overcome rebellions?
❖He raised an army, but took the money their lords had given the knights to live on and sent the soldiers home.
❖He then used the money to bribe barons in eastern Normandy, forcing Robert to agree to rule it alongside him.
❖He promised to lower taxes, to end the forest laws, and to return to Edward the Confessor’s laws. This removed the complaints behind the rebellions. However, Rufus did not deliver any of these promises.
Who succeeded William Rufus?
When William Rufus was killed in 1100 his youngest brother, Henry, became king.
