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William Rufus and his Succession to the Throne

Who was William II?

William II was known as William Rufus, probably because he had ruddy cheeks, or because of his red hair. He faced serious challenges when he became king.

What happened after William II took power?

After his coronation, William Fufus faced uprising by those who supported his brother, Robert Curthose, including from his uncle Bishop Odo.

Why was William II challenged as king?

There were a number of reasons why William II's reign was disputed.

• ❖ William's decision before his death was open to interpretation, and seemed unclear.
• ❖ Robert Curthose was made Duke of Normandy. Lords who had land in both England and Normandy didn't want to have to answer to two different rulers.
• ❖ Robert Curthose believed that he should rule England, as William's eldest son.

How did Robert react to William's coronation?

His brother Robert, Duke of Normandy, wanted to rule England as well, and supported those who rebelled against William Rufus.

How did Bishop Odo react to William Rufus?

Bishop Odo, freed from prison in 1087, joined the rebellion to support Robert's claim as king. This may have been because he thought that Robert would be easier to control.

• ❖ Odo's brother, Robert of Mortain, also joined the rebellion.
• ❖ Odo and his brother controlled large areas of the south of England.
• ❖ Most of the population did not support Odo's rebellion.
• ❖ Odo and Robert of Mortain took refuge in Pevensey Castle, where William Rufus besieged them for six weeks.
• ❖ Both William Rufus' uncles were captured, but Odo managed to escape to Rochester Castle.
• ❖ He waited for help from his nephew Robert, but it never came. Odo was eventually forced out of the castle by hunger and disease, and was exiled.

What other revolts did William Rufus face?

As well as Odo and Robert, William II had to deal with smaller rebellions.

• ❖ Raids in Somerset and Wiltshire by Robert de Mowbray.
• ❖ A revolt led by Roger Bigod in Norwich and the sheriff of Leicester.
• ❖ Raids in Gloucester by William of Eu.
• ❖ Rebellions in the west led by the Marcher earls Robert de Montgomery and Roger de Lacy.

How did William Rufus win?

William Rufus used a number of effective tactics to overcome the rebellions.

• ❖ He raised an army, but took the money that their lords had given the knights to live on and sent the soldiers home.
• ❖ He then used the money to bribe barons in eastern Normandy, forcing Robert to agree to rule it alongside him.
• ❖ He promised to lower taxes, to end the forest laws, and to return to Edward the Confessor's laws. But didn't deliver any of these promises.

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