GCSE History Rapid Revision: The Succession Crisis 1087-88

Summary

The video delves into the 1087 succession crisis following the death of William the Conqueror, focusing on the intense familial and political disputes among his sons. It highlights the strained relationships between William’s eldest son, Robert Curthose, his favorite son, William Rufus, and his younger son, Henry, who later became King Henry I. After William’s sudden death, the kingdom was split between Robert and Rufus, leading to rebellion, betrayal, and conflict among the Norman nobility. Ultimately, Rufus became King of England, but his reign was short-lived, paving the way for Henry’s rise to power. The crisis showcases the volatile nature of royal succession in medieval Europe.

Takeaways

• 😀 William the Conqueror's family dynamics played a crucial role in the 1087 succession crisis.
• 😀 William had three important sons: Robert Curthose, William Rufus, and Henry, each with distinct roles and relationships.
• 😀 Robert Curthose was the eldest son, but his poor relationship with his father and brothers complicated his inheritance.
• 😀 William Rufus was his father's favorite, but his aggressive behavior and strained family dynamics led to conflict.
• 😀 Henry, the third son, had a less prominent role initially but would later become King Henry I of England.
• 😀 The first significant conflict occurred in 1077 when William Rufus threw water (possibly urine) at Robert, triggering a family feud.
• 😀 Despite supporting Robert financially, Matilda, William’s wife, helped reconcile the father and son in 1080.
• 😀 William Rufus became King of England, while Robert Curthose became Duke of Normandy after William's death in 1087.
• 😀 The family’s complicated relationships and divided loyalties led to a rebellion against William Rufus, which ultimately failed.
• 😀 After William Rufus's death in a hunting accident, Henry became King of England, beginning his own turbulent reign known as the Anarchy.

Q & A

What sparked the succession crisis after William the Conqueror's death?

The succession crisis was sparked by William the Conqueror's death in 1087, which was followed by a lack of clear instructions on who would succeed him, leading to disputes among his sons, Robert, William Rufus, and Henry.

Why did William the Conqueror’s eldest son, Robert, have a strained relationship with his father?

Robert's relationship with his father was strained due to several factors, including a quarrel with his brothers, especially William Rufus and Henry. He was also insulted by his father, who nicknamed him 'Curthose' (meaning 'short legs'), leading to further resentment.

What role did Matilda, William's wife, play in the succession crisis?

Matilda played a significant role by supporting Robert financially during the conflict with William Rufus and encouraging reconciliation between William and Robert in 1080. She loved all her sons equally, and her actions influenced the eventual settlement of Robert’s inheritance.

What was the significance of the squabble between William Rufus and Robert in 1077?

The squabble between William Rufus and Robert in 1077, in which William threw water (or possibly urine) at Robert, was a pivotal moment. It led to Robert’s anger, his attempt to take control of Rouen Castle, and his subsequent rebellion, which worsened the family tensions.

How did Bishop Odo influence the succession crisis?

Bishop Odo sided with Robert during the succession crisis, believing that Robert would be easier to control as king. Odo’s support for Robert helped fuel rebellion, though it ultimately failed as the nobility largely sided with William Rufus, who had greater support and military power.

Why did William Rufus become King of England instead of Robert?

William Rufus became King of England because many Norman nobles supported him, fearing the instability of Robert’s rule. They believed William would be a stronger and more capable leader, and this support helped him win the throne after his father’s death.

What were the consequences of William Rufus’ victory over Robert in the rebellion?

William Rufus’ victory over Robert in the rebellion solidified his control over England. However, it led to instability as Odo and Robert encouraged further uprisings, but these were ultimately unsuccessful, and Robert was captured, exiled, and later died in 1134.

What promises did William Rufus make, and how did he fail to fulfill them?

William Rufus promised to overturn the unpopular forest laws and bring stability to England, but he later went back on these promises, which contributed to dissatisfaction and unrest among the English nobility.

How did William Rufus die, and what suspicions surrounded his death?

William Rufus died in 1100 in a hunting accident in the New Forest. While the circumstances of his death remain unclear, some suspect that it may have been murder, though it is officially considered an accident.

How did Henry, William’s third son, eventually become king?

After the death of William Rufus, Henry, the youngest son, seized the opportunity and became King Henry I. His ascension marked the end of the immediate succession crisis but led to further conflicts, notably the period of anarchy in England.