The Succession Crisis 1087-88

• It was a time of great upheaval when the family politics of William's family tree would come to the fore
• William of Normandy

  Born around 1028, died in 1087
• Matilda of Flanders

  1031 to 1083, William's wife
• William's sons

  • Robert Curtos (nicknamed 'Curtos' meaning 'short legs')
  • William Rufus (nicknamed 'Rufus' meaning 'red')
  • Henry (later became King Henry I)
• Spark for the conflict

  1. In 1077, William Rufus threw a bucket of water (possibly urine) over Robert

  2. Robert was furious that his father did not punish William and Henry for mocking him

  3. Robert tried to take Rouen Castle and then fled, launching repeated raids on William's land
• Matilda, unknown to her husband, sent money to support Robert
• William went to battle with Robert in 1079


  Robert won, William had to retreat humiliatingly using a horse Robert gave him
• Reconciliation organised by Matilda

  1. In 1080, Matilda revealed she had supported Robert

  2. William was angry but agreed to reconcile as he respected Matilda's opinions

  3. Robert accepted the reconciliation and was restored as heir to the title Duke of Normandy
• William Rufus remained William's preferred son and preferred choice to be heir to the English throne
• William's death in 1087

  1. William suffered an accident on his horse whilst raiding

  2. He died in agony on September 9th

  3. He gave no clear instructions on his heir, leaving it 'for God to decide'
• Robert was made Duke of Normandy, but he wanted to be King of England too
• Bishop Odo agreed to side with Robert, seeing him as a weaker character easier to influence
• William Rufus became William II, King of England
• Rebellion against William Rufus

  1. Odo and Robert launched a rebellion, also encouraging rebellions in the Welsh Marches, Norwich and the West of England

  2. All the rebellions failed, Odo was exiled and Robert died in 1134 old and powerless
• William Rufus defeated the rebellions, but went back on promises he had made
• William Rufus was killed in the New Forest in 1100, it may have been a hunting accident
• Henry, William's third son, became King Henry I, leading to a time of anarchy in England
• Reasons for the dispute and revolt

  • Complicated relationships between members of William's family
  • Uncertainty over who would become king or get the crown of England and Normandy
  • Odo's involvement, wanting Robert as king as he was easier to influence
  • Nobles having to choose between their land holdings in Normandy and England