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Anglo-Saxon and Norman England, c1060–88

William I and the succession

  • 3 things to know
  • Paper 2 booklet B

Overview

William's character, his quarrel with his son Robert, the revolt of 1077–80 and its settlement, William's death in 1087, the division of his lands, and the rebellion of 1088.

What you need to know

Answer each one before you reveal it.

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Key term

What sort of man do contemporary writers describe William I as being?

Numbers

How did Robert Curthose's revolt against his father end?

Key term

How were William’s lands divided when he died?

Questions from this subtopic

Each one with the model answer underneath.

  1. 1

    What sort of man do contemporary writers describe William I as being?

    Model answer

    Ruthless and often cruel to his enemies, but also tireless, brave in war, genuinely pious and severe in keeping order.

  2. 2

    Why did William and his eldest son Robert fall out?

    Model answer

    Robert wanted real authority in Normandy, which he believed he had been promised, and his father refused to give up any land or power while he lived.

  3. 3

    What was the quarrel at L’Aigle?

    Model answer

    Robert’s younger brothers emptied a chamber pot over him, and when William refused to punish them Robert left his father’s court in fury.

  4. 4

    What happened during Robert’s revolt of 1077–80?

    Model answer

    He tried to seize the castle at Rouen, then held Gerberoy with French backing, where in battle he unhorsed and wounded his own father.

  5. 5

    How did Robert’s revolt end?

    Model answer

    Queen Matilda and the Norman nobles brought father and son to terms in 1080, and William confirmed Robert as his heir in Normandy.

  6. 6

    How did William I die?

    Model answer

    He was injured against his saddle while burning the town of Mantes in France and died of the wound at Rouen in September 1087.

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