The Reign of William I & Succession (Edexcel GCSE History)

How did William's Reign Cause Issues for the Succession? - Timeline & Summary

William created a difficult legacy for his successor. William was a strong military leader willing to act harshly to keep his power. An example of William's brutality was the Harrying of the North. William's repressive actions created a dilemma for his successor. They had to decide whether they should continue punishing their enemies harshly or allow their subjects more freedom. 

Another issue was controlling two territories: England and Normandy. Throughout his reign, William struggled to keep control of England and Normandy at the same time. For example, the Revolt of the Earls occurred when William left England for Normandy. As a result, William left regents in Normandy and remained in England. William needed to consider if one person could rule all of his territories. This could create issues of jealousy and greed between his successors.

The Character & Personality of William the Conqueror

• There were two sides to William's personality 

  1. William was a cruel person willing to do anything to remain in power. He wanted to own everything in England

  2. William was devout and remained a caring husband 

Why are there two different views of William?

Robert's Rebellion Against William I

• Historians believe that William the Conqueror and Matilda had at least nine children

The family tree of William I

Why were there issues between William I & Robert?

• William treated his eldest son, Robert, cruelly

  • William gave Robert the nickname 'Curthose', which means 'short stockings' 

    • This nickname mocked Robert's physical appearance

• William did not believe that Robert could rule Normandy effectively

  • Rivals to William were threatening war in Normandy in the 1070s

Conflict between William & Robert

How did William the Conqueror die?

• In July 1087, William suffered significant injuries riding his horse

  • William was leading a raid in France 

  • William's weight meant his horse threw him heavily against the saddle

• William returned to Rouen Castle

  • He died on 9th September 1087 after several weeks of pain

What were the consequences of William's death?

• William's barons panicked

  • The barons quickly attempted to secure their castles from attack

• William's servants stole all of his possessions

  • The servants left William's body on the floor, stealing his clothing and his furniture

• People believed that William's death and funeral showed God's anger at William

  • When the attendants tried to place William's body in a stone tomb, William's abdomen burst

    • The smell meant that the mourners ran out of the cathedral

    • People believed that this was a punishment from God for all of William's sins 

The Fight for the Crown: William Rufus & Robert Curthose

• William went against Norman tradition and allowed two sons to inherit his titles. William wanted:

  • Robert Curthose to become the Duke of Normandy

    • In 1066, all Norman barons took an oath of loyalty to Robert as William's heir

  • William Rufus to become the King of England

    • William never formally declared William Rufus the King of England

    • He wanted to repent for his violent reign by allowing God to choose who should become king

• William Rufus travelled to England before his father died

  • He gave Lanfranc a letter from his father stating his strengths as King of England

  • Lanfranc crowned William Rufus king after William's death

    • Lanfranc did not consult the council, showing his power in England

• As the eldest son, Robert opposed William becoming King of England

  • He believed that, following Norman tradition, he should inherit all his father's land and titles

  • Norman nobility held land in both England and Normandy

    • Dealing with one leader would make the management of their land easier

    • Robert and William were likely to fight, making landowning in Normandy and England more difficult

How did William Rufus defeat Robert Curthose?

• William Rufus defeated Bishop Odo's rebellion in 1088

  • Bishop Odo supported Robert's claim because he thought that he was weaker. This would allow Odo to manipulate Robert to his advantage

  • Odo expected Robert to support him at the siege of Pevensey Castle

    • Help never arrived. This forced Odo to surrender, causing him to forfeit his English land and live in exile

  • William gained popularity in England for defeating Odo

    • Robert's alliance with Odo made his claim to the English throne weaker

• William used extreme tactics to weaken Robert's position

  • Robert did not rule Normandy's barons firmly

    • The barons began to grab power for themselves

  • William Rufus used money to bribe the Norman barons

    • William raised income from knight service

      • He took the money given to each knight to live on and sent them home

      • He used the money to buy the allegiance of eastern Norman barons

    • This forced Robert to share the rule of Normandy with William