Roberts Revolt 1077

• evidence that William reluctant to hand power over to Robert

  others such as Odo, Lanfranc and even William's wife (!!!) acted as regents when William was away in Normandy rather than his son- William did not trust Robert?
• Robert's ambitions


  Robert was impatient for power and land as it would allow him the chance to begin the practice of ruling, taxing and granting land but he was not being given it. He was also the heir to Normandy but was not given a chance to practice ruling it.
• Personal relationships


  William insulted Robert- called him Robert Cuthose meaning "short-legs". Publically humiliated Robert by jeering at him in court in front of nobles. Clearly favoured Rufus and saw him as the best fighter and son- Robert = jealous.
• The trigger


  Rufus and Henry (Robert's younger brothers) poured urine onto Robert. Robert believed his father did not punish Rufus and Henry severely enough.
• The events of the revolt

  Robert attacked Rouen castle and failed but gained support of the Norman nobles' sons and the rulers of France and Flanders who helped him to establish Gerberoi castle in France and carry out raids in Normandy. Fought William and won.
• Peace


  William made peace with Robert as the nobles did not want to keep fighting their sons as it could lead to loss of land. Matilda, his wife, also asked him to stop and it also distracted him from other events in England at the time- the Scots had invaded Northumbria.