Rufus Consolidation of Power Flashcards
(47 cards)
When and at what age did William the Conqueror die?
9th September 1087, aged 59
Who were his three sons, in descending order of age?
Robert Curthose, William Rufus, Henry
What word could be used to describe a lord holding estates on both sides of the Channel?
Anglo-French/Anglo-Norman
What did Odo of Bayeux believe would happen if he supported either brother?
The other would remove the baron’s land, revenues and honours in their state.
Who inherited Normandy and why?
Robert Curthose as his father believed the eldest son should inherit his ancestral lands.
Who inherited England and why?
Rufus because he was seen as a better leader.
What did Henry inherit?
Great wealth, some of which he used to buy land from Robert in Normandy.
What did many barons want to happen regarding the dilemma of inheritance? Why?
For Robert to inherit both states because he was easier to manipulate.
How many of the barons sided with Robert? Name three.
6/10
Included Odo of Bayeux, Count Robert of Mortain and Roger de Montgomery.
How did Robert plan to create a feudal anarchy?
By attacking villages and creating chaos in England.
What did Robert hope to achieve by creating a feudal anarchy?
William would be seen as a poor leader and Robert would be welcomed as the new king.
How long did it seem Rufus’ reign would last? Why?
Less than a year as the violence between the brother began in 1088.
Who did Rufus pay and why?
The leading rebels to get them to switch sides e.g. Robert de Montgomery.
How did Rufus get the people of England to support him?
He made pledges to make England a fairer state, some of which were never carried out.
How did Rufus use his forces to deal with the threat of a feudal anarchy?
He split them up into smaller armies and instructed each one to put down a particular rebellion.
What did Rufus do with the army he controlled?
Stopped leader of the rebellion in England Odo of Bayeux, attacking three castles before eventually capturing him.
How did Robert contribute to the 1088 rebellion?
Sent a naval force from Normandy which was stopped.
Robert never reached England.
What was the end result of the 1088 rebellion?
The rebellion was put down and Rufus greatly improved his reputation in England.
What happened between 1088 and 1091?
No direct violence between the brothers.
Rufus rewarded Anglo-French barons to get them on his side.
What did Rufus do in 1091?
Saw the chance to control Normandy.
Took an army there but decided against war as he deemed the conditions weren’t favourable.
What did the events in Normandy in 1091 result in?
The Treaty of Rouen.
List the three main terms of the treaty?
- Agreed on the division of land made by their father.
- Support each other in protecting both states from foreign attacks.
- If either man died, the other would inherit.
Describe the effectiveness of the Treaty of Rouen.
It didn’t last and was simply used as a pro tempore solution
Give an example of how the terms of the Treaty of Rouen were followed?
Curthose provided military support to Rufus during the invasion of King Malcolm from Scotland in 1091.
