Read: Pages 78 - 83 of the text
(Chapter VI the third part)
Consider: Why
do we return again and again to the statement “A Bishop was a
Baron”?
In what ways would a Bishop be better qualified to rule than other Barons?
How the entitlements of a Bishopric or Archbishopric would compare to an Earldom.
What was the central unavoidable point of conflict in the investiture dispute?
Why would both sides be agree to continued delay of settlement of the issue?
Why would Henry not lay claim to the debit owed against the Norman Duchy?
Why would Flambard flee to Robert of Normandy?
Why would the Norman Barons urge Robert to seek the Crown of England?
Why would the Church support Henry against the older son of William I?
Why would the People support Henry against the Norman Duke?
What did Henry gain by diplomacy at Alton? What did he surrender?
Why would Robert remain to witness the 'justice' of Henry against the 'traitors'?
Why did Henry wait until spring 1102 to advance against Robert of Belleme?
What characteristic of the times did the siege of Arundel highlight?
Why would the English Baron hesitate to 'ruin' Robert of Belleme?
What force gave the King the encouragement to continue his efforts against Belleme?
Why would Henry grant the Earl 'safety, horses and Arms' after a complete surrender?
What affect did Henry total defeat of Robert of Belleme have on the remaining Barons?
How was the Status of the Investiture Issue in England affected during this time?
How was the Investiture issue handled by Anslem and Henry in 1102?
What did the events of the Church Council of 1102 show about the state of the Church?
Why did Henry's plan for Consecration by the Archbishop of York fail?
Under what conditions did Anslem find himself in Europe in 1103?
Know: The core issues surrounding lay investiture were based on the dual roles of the Bishop.
Henry's primary plan was “delay, and avoid” the investiture issue.
The “Debit to William II” for Normandy died with William II.
Robert of Normandy showed himself a powerful man on Crusade – under others.
The 'Great Norman Barons' did not aid Henry when Robert moved to take England.
Henry and the English were stronger in England than the Norman Barons.
Robert landed at Portsmouth, not the expected Pevensey in July 1101.
Henry and Robert's armies meet at Alton, but no battle was joined.
By Diplomacy, Henry gained a sure Crown, each side releasing the other's Barons.
Henry agreed to an annual payment, and gave up Normandy except for Dumfort.
Each retained the right to punish their barons that had allied with the other.
Henry began to take action against Robert of Belleme in 1102.
Robert was first called to Court on 45 counts (against Henry or Robert the Norman)
Robert rebelled rather than 'meet court'.
Henry demanded and got 'unconditional surrender'. He then sent Robert to Normandy.
Anselm himself had accepted investiture from William II without qualm.
Henry was able to get Anselm to 'accept' his investitures (but not to consecrate them).
Henry sent three delegations to the Pope, each asking to that his investitures to continue.
Henry's alternate plan for consecration failed, church discipline and the primacy of Canterbury prevailed in the minds of his appointees to the Bishoprics.
In 1103 Henry sent Anslem to Rome, to explain the difficulties with Rome's position.
Success against Robert of Belleme ensured no other Baronial uprisings would occur.
Read: Pages 84 - 88 of the text
(Chapter VII the first part)
Consider: Why
would Robert of Belleme go on a 'rampage' in Normandy, and not be
stopped?
Why did Henry I really go to Normandy in 1104?
Why did Henry 'send' William of Mortain, Earl of Cornwall to Normandy?
Why did the invasion of Normandy (1105) make the issues with Anselm more pressing?
How was Henry I able to 'exile' Anselm without violence or outcry?
How did Henry I seal the breach with Anselm? Why did he do this?
Why did Henry I dispatch a 'fifth embassy' to Rome?
Would the 'Great Compromise' have been possible earlier? Or with other leadership?
What pressures lead Henry I to willing to 'meet half-way'?
What was the essence of the Great Compromise?
How did Henry I spend the time gained by accepting the Compromise?
What hindered the return of Anslem, after the personal agreement to the Compromise?
What events allowed Anslem to, at last in 1106, cross over to Dover with Rejoicing?
Why was the battle of Tinchebrai August & September 1106 so important?
Why would Henry I offer the 'terms' that he did to Robert, Duke of Normandy?
Why would Robert of Normandy refuse the terms Henry I offered?
Why would the aftermath of 28 September lead William of Malmesbury to say that Hastings 1066 had been reversed?
Know: Robert of Belleme took 'revenge' on the Duke of Normandy for actions during the Duke's war with Henry.
These actions resulted in important conmsessions by the Duke.
Henry went to Normandy to 'Show the Flag', his interest, and to restore 'order'.
William of Mortain, Earl of Cornwall, the king's own cousin was sent to Normandy.
William of Mortain along with Robert of Belleme resumed their activities when Henri returned to England.
Henry, in the last week of Lent, 1105, landed at Barfleur to 'restore order' in Normandy.
Henry would need the Church's support for this 'open invasion' against Robert.
Henry had 'exiled' Anselm back in 1103, a 'reconcillation' was needed.
Henry had financed the 1105 invasion, in part with thr proceeds of Anselm's Barony.
Emglish Clerics (and some of the people) had begain to 'go to Anselm's side by 1104.
Henry sent a fifth embassy to Rome in hopes of some compromise in 1104.
In March, 1105, Pope Paschal II excommunicated the Count of Meulan and the others.
Bishop Ivo of Chartres, Anselm, and Countess Adela worked out the 'Compromise'.
Considerations of home and foreign politics disposed Henry to agree.
Henry and Anslem meet in Normandy on July 21, 1105, and accepted the Compromise.
The compromise removed the prospect of excommunication, and Henry returned to England with his plans well underway in Normandy.
In January, 1106, Robert of Normandy came to England to try to recover his losses.
Early in1106 the embassy was sent to Rome for the Pope's blessing on the Compromise.
Towards the end of March the Pope's blessing on the Compromise was sent.
August 15th 1106 the king and the archbishop met at the Abbey of Bee, and the full reconciliation between them took place.
September 28's battle castle of Tinchebrai resulted in a complete victory for Henry (Only Rober of Belleme escaped). --
1066 had been 'rerversed' with the English King conquering Normandy.
Read: Pages 89 - 93 of the text
(Chapter VII the Second part)
Consider: Why
would Henry turn young William over to his Uncle for 'safe keeping'?
Why would Henry call the Barons together to determine 'Justice' in Normandy?
Was the plan of Henry and the Baron's 'Fair'?
What do you make of Henry's treatment of his brother Robert ?
Why was the Compromise not legalized at Henry's Easter Court?
What did Henry get from the Compromise? What did the Church get from it?
Who had the 'upper hand' after the legalization of the Great Compromise?
Why would the 'New Anselm' be so different from the 'Old Anselm'
Why were their three long-standing bishop appointee to be consecrated in August 1107?
What would have made Anselm so angry with Archbishop Thomas of York?
How would you describe Henry after 1106/7 ?
How did Henry continue & encourage the merger of Saxon and Norman Legal Customs?
Can Henry's Merger be considered as paleo-federalism?
What does the punlication of Law Books during Henry's Reign say about the English?
Why would Henry of England like to see Matilda married to Henry of Germany?
Why would Henry of Germany like to join himself to Matilda, Daughter if Henry I?
Why is the 'betrothal' of an 8 year-old, and her marriage at 12 not frowned upon?
Know: Robert recognized Henry's success by surrender of Castles' & absolution from Alligence.
Robert of Belleme, on the advice of Elias of Maine, accepted peace with Henry.
In October 1106, Henry called a 'court' of the Norman Barons to determine policy.
The Council determined to restore lands to holders under William of Normandy.
The Council also condemned many of Robet's supporters to imprisonment. (not Robert)
Henry's reason for imprisonment of Robert: “the impossibility of otherwise maintaining peace.”
Henry was back in England in time for Easter Court 1107, with Normandy pacified.
After the 'Compromise' Henry continued to receive homage from the Bishops.
The Compromise was the Bishopric belonged to the Church, but the Fief to the King.
The Compromise agreement (above) ratified in 1107 was the permanent settlement of the investiture controversy for England.
August 11, 1107, Anslem held a great assembly of the Church in England and Consecrated 5 Bishops at one time. The Chruch was again alive, whole, and functioning in England.
Anselm renewed the call for the submission of the Archbishop of York to Canterbury.
Anselm refused the division of Lincoln into two dioceses with out the Pope's Approval.
Anselm died on 21 April 1109.
Henry and Matilda had two children that lived, Matilda (1102), and William (1103).
A Writ from Henry, in 1109, shows how the Saxon and Norman Legal system were beginning to interact, with Saxon Courts for local issues, and Norman (Royal) Courts for the rest.
Englishmen during Henry's Reign began to 'document' the old law.
The Saxon law still survived, and was renewed by Henry I, but it survived as local law and as the law of the minor affairs of life.
At the Whitsuntide Court of 1109, the embassy of Henry of Germany asked Matilda' hand in marrage.
Henry of Germany sending to Henry of England for a wife signified the elevated standing of England.
On January 7,1114, 12 year old Matilida married Henry of Germany, becoming Empress of the Holy Roman Empire.
Read: Pages 94 - 97 of the text
(Chapter VII the Last part)
Consider: Why
did King Henry I cross over from England to Normandy in August of
1111?
Why would King Henry I appear to be stronger (Military) than France's King Louis VI?
When did this current conflict start, and what was it over?
Why would Robert of Bellame place himself in a position to be arrested by Henry I?
How does the peace of 1113 show Henry's skill as a strategist and diplomat?
Why would Orderic Vitalis say that Henry ruled with great tranquility from 1113-1118?
What changes had occuried in the Church between the Conquest of England and 1113?
What brought down the 'national church'?
What effects did the new monastaries have within the Nations of Europe and England?
How did the new 'universal' church impact secular learning?
How did this new 'universal' church negate the 'wins' in the investiture issue?
Know: Henry crossed to Normandy in Aug. 1111, to face open conflict on the French Borders.
Henry I faced off against the. King of France, the Count of Anjou, & Robert of Bellame.
Henry's attempt to seize William Clito and Eliasof Saint-Saens failed.
Louis VI lead a decntralized France, and had troubles keeping his own Barons in check.
At the close of Henry's reign the king of England was no stronger than in 1110.
In 1109 Henry refused to abondon or destroy the fortress of Gisors, and re-enforced it.
Louis VI offered to settle the issue by single combat, Henry I refused.
The Count of Blois, Henry's Nephew and brother of the future King Stephen, though a vassal of Louis VI, fought and defeated Louis VI in battle where the Count of Flanders was killed.
Robert of Bellame was arrested on 4 November 1112 and sent to 'life in prision'.
Henry I made peace with Louis VI and the Count of Anjou during Lent, 1113.
Part of the Peace was Lordship of Bellame, the Count of Anjou, and Blois help enforce the lordship by arms.
A period of relative peace in England and Normandy followed the new peace treaty.
A large English army in Wales in 1114, forced the Welsh princes to renew their vows.
Henry prefered the Church over Knights in promoting the integration of Wales into England.
The pope was no longer the servant of the HR emperor; he occupied an equal throne.
The 'National Church' fell by the power of the ideal of the Universal Church.
A new tide of monasticism had arisen and drew learned men, and taught others and spread the Ideal of a Universal Church, as a Theocracy subordinate to the Pope, not local Monarchs.
The new monastaries where like Garrisons of the new Monarchial Papacy.
This was the beginning of the Age of the University.
The New Universal Theocracy ideal of the church rendered the power of Investiture much less valuable, as the King had no 'loyalists' to select from.
Read: Pages 98 - 101 of the
text (Chapter VIII the First part)
Consider: Why
are the details of the York-Canterbury question considered
unimportant?
Why was it accpetable that Canterbury be left empty for five years?
Why would the Pope back York in the dispute about Primacy ?
What were the signficant 'issues or events' at the Council of Salisbury in March 1116?
Why would Henry demand lesser vassal allegiance, and the resignation of Thurston?
Why would Henry be called upon to appear the aggressor when defending Normandy?
Why would the interests of the Normandy Lands, and the Church in England be mixed?
Why would Henry break the three year peace with Louis of Frnace?
Why would Louis take up the Cause of William Clito (Robert's son)?
Why is Stephen introduced as one destined to do much evil to England?
Why would 1118 be a 'horrible year' for Henry I of England?
Would the military defeats or the loss of Wife & Councilor be the worse news ?
How did 1119 differ from 1118?
Why would Henry agree to grant William Talvas the lands of his father Robert Belleme?
Why would 'Charles the Good' of Flanders support England?
What affect would the Battle of Bremule have on the course of the war?
What 'diplomatic victory' could be under discussion in late 1119?
Why would Henry have been so generous at the Papal Council of 1119?
Why was the disaster of the White Ship so great?
What does Henry's reaction on hearing the news say about its affect on him?
Know: In April, 1114, Ralph of Escures, Bishop of Rochester, was chosen Anselm's successor.
Thurstan, one of the king's chaplains, was made Archbishop of York a few months later.
On the Primacy Question, The pope supported the claim of York (against Henry).
At the Council of Salisbury (March 1116) Henry forced Thurstan to accept Canterbury's Primacy, or resign as Archbishop of York. This resignation was not permanent, however.
At the same Council of Salisbury, Henry demanded oaths from all the lessor vassals as well as that of his own tenants in chief (as had become the Norman Custom).
Arch Bishop Ralph went to the Pope to seek his support for Canterbury's Primacy.
From 1116 onwards the Church and Normandy battles became increasingly interwoven.
The peace between Henry and Louis, made in the spring of 1113, was broken in 1116 by Henry's coming to the aid of his nephew, Theobald of Blois.
The Counts of Flanders and of Anjou came to the side of King Louis of France, along with some of the Norman Barons who wished to see William Clito made Duke in his father's place.
The Counts of Britanny and of Blois, along with most of the Norman Barons supported Henry.
In 1118 the revolt of the Norman barons, headed by Amaury of Montfort, assumed proportions which occasioned the king many difficulties
In 1119 the Count of Anjou made peace with Henry.
August 20 1119, the armies of the two kings meet, a great victory for Henry.
In council with the Pope, Henry's right to refuse papal legates was re-affirmed, and Louis's appeals went unanswered.
Louis accepted William the son of Henry as his Duke of Normandy (ending William Clito's claims), assuring Henry's heirs would be secure in their posessions.
Henry's Heir, and many other crowned heads of Europe perished in the White Ship Disaster. Henry was devastated at the news to the point of fainting.
Read: Pages 102 - 106 of the
text (Chapter VIII the Second part)
Consider: Why
would Henry I call the Council and marry so quickly?
Why would the dispute between York and Canterbury still be an ongoing issue?
Why would the Earl of Gloucester not be automatically in the line of Succession?
Why was the increasing importance of marriage so influential in English politics?
Why would William's death be a signal to action for Henry's Enemies?
Why is William Clito's marriage to Sybil so important?
Why might Louis of France not wish to be seen supporting William Clito?
Why would the author imply that the repression of the Norman revolt was not a war?
Why would Emperor Henry V attack Louis of France, and what effect did it have?
How did Henry I manage to break the marriage of William Clito and Sybil?
Why is the appointment of the Archbishop of Canterbury as 'standing legate' a big deal?
Why did the death of Henry V of the HRE change Henry's plans for the succession?
What role did Daughters play in the line of succession at this time?
Why did Henry require the recognition of Matilda as his Heir?
What pretenses did the Barons later use to repudiate their oaths?
How did Louis of France see this change of succession?
Know: Henry started immediately to solve the succession problem after the whiteship disaster.
Henry's second marriage (to Adelaide) was Childless, other options had to be chosen.
Archbishop Thurstun was allowed to return in 1120 and avoided recognition of Canterbury.
In 1122 Ralph of Canterbury died and was replaced by William of Corbeil (the King's Choice).
Robert of Caen (Henry's illegitimate son) was made Earl of Gloucester.
Robert, Earl of Gloucester was not consider an 'heir' by the barons due to his illegitimate birth.
The above shows both the increasing power of the Church and its elevated views on Marriage.
Fulk of Anjou, upon his return from Crusage demanded his daughter, and her dowry back.
Amaury of Montfort lead the movement to 'reinstate' William Clito as heir to Normandy.
Fulk gave his second daughter, Sibyl, in marriage to William Clito (strengthening his claim).
Charles the Good abandoned his English alliance and supported the cause of France.
March of 1124 at Bourgtheroulde, Ralph, Earl of Chester, defeated Amaury and Waleran
Emperor Henry V, moved on France but turned back, having only ensured Henry I a free hand.
Against Fulk of Anjou Henry I seems to have found his ally in the pope.
At Easter time in 1125, a papal legate, John of Crema, landed in England.
William of Corbeil made successful application, supported by the king, to be appointed the standing papal legate in Britain.
This appointment is usually considered a lowering of the the Archbishop of Canterbury.
May 23, 1125 the emperor Henry V died - the widowed childless Empress Matilda came home.
In September, 1126, Henry returned with Matilda to England.
In January 1127 Henry got the Barons to swear allegiance to Matilda as Henry's Heir.
The feudalism of France and England recognized the right of women to succeed to baronies.
The feeling was the female heir could pass the title on to her son, not that she could 'hold' it.
Many of the Bishops and Barons thought that Matilda's later marriage freed them of their oaths.
Louis of France held Court at the same time as Henry, to support William Clito for Normandy.
A wife was given William in the person of Jeanne, half sister of Louis's queen, and the Vexen.
William Clito then advanced against Henry's Norman Possessions.
Read: Pages 107-108,112-113 of
the text (Chapter VIII the third part)
Consider: Why
would Henry betrothe the widowed Matilda to Geoffrey, son of
Fulk of Anjou?
Why would Matilda, dowager Empress, agree to this marriage to a 'boy' ?
Why would Henry think Matilda would need 'support' for her claim to the Throne?
Why would Henry help Dietrich of Elsass marry Sibyl (former wife of William Clito)?
Why would Geoffrey had repudiate and cast off his wife Matlida?
What would “ran its course as a family quarrel” mean in 12th Century politics?
Why did the council meet in 1131 to discuss the 'reconcilliation' of Matlida's marrigae?
Why was the 'reconcillation' of Matilda and Geoffrey so successful?
Why would Henry be involved in battle against his son-in-law Geoffrey?
Why might 'a few more years of Henry' have saved England from a generation of labor?
Why might Henry have desired a regency under the leadership of Robert of Gloucester?
What makes the reign of Henry I a 'Great Reign' in English History?
Why does the author refer to two great races in England? Who were these 'races'?
Know: On March 2, 1127, the Count of Flanders, Charles the Good, was murdered.
William Clito was recognised (with Louis of France's support) as his successor.
Immediately after Whitsuntide of 1127, Matilda was bethrored to Geoffrey of Anju.
For this marriage no consent of English or Norman barons was asked, nor granted.
Matilda herself is said to have been much opposed to the marriage.
Henry undertook the marriage to protect Matilda's right to his Throne.
That this plan failed in the end is only a proof of Henry's foresight in providing a plan.
William Clito's tenure of his countship was of but little more than a year.
Dietrich of Elsass became count after Clito, and married Sybil, Geoffrey's sister.
Geoffrey and Matilda were married at Le Mans, on June 6, 1129.
In July 1129, Geoffrey 'repudiated' his wife, and Matilda returned to Rouen.
The disagreement between Geoffrey and Matilda ran its course as a family quarrel.
Ranulf Flambard died in 1128, after years in of work on the Durham Cathedral.
Henry of Blois, brother of Count Stephen was appointed to replace Willaim Giffard.
Henry had not abandoned his practice of taking fines from the married clergy.
Henry met Innocent II in January, 1131, and recognized him as the rightful pope.
In the following summer he returned to England, and brought back with him Matilda.
About this time Geoffrey sent a request that Matilda be sent back to him (summer 1131).
What answer should be given was considered by the great council, Northampton, Sept 8.
Matlida returned to Geoffrey and was received with great Honour.
Henry created a new bishopric of Carlisle, in the obedience of the Archbishop of York
On March 25, 1133, was born Matilda's eldest son, the future Henry II.
On June 1, of the next year (1134), Henry's second grandson, Geoffrey, was born.
In 1134 the long imprisonment of Robert of Normandy closed with his death.
Geoffrey of Anjou made demands for possessions in Normandy (Matilda supported him)
Henry was still equal to the occasion, by 1135 everything again under the king's control.
December 1, 1135, Henry I died, having declared again that all should go to Matilda.
Henry's reign of a little more than thirty-five years was a long one for the middle ages.
More than thirty years of undisturbed quiet in England were maintained by Henry I.
Henry was born in 1068, and was lived past the end of his sixty-seventh year.
Consider: What reasons might be given for so few 'pipe rolls' surviving from Henry I's reign?
In what ways did the Curia Regis differ from our House of Lords and Privy Council?
Why would a Baron have considered the Council a burden?
How had the differentiation of old institutions into new ones begun in Henry's time?
Why was this differentiation unperceived by the people of the early 12th century?
What 'unique' features of the Exchequer Court were already present in Henry's Time?
How might the 'business practices' of the Court impacted Henry's political aims?
What would Henry's Baron's have thought in the most pressing need of improvement?
Why does the source of revenues differ so greatly between Henry and the present?
How would Henry have been able to 'run the country' on only about $4.7 Million?
What material benefits would be associated with 'three generations without war'?
What does the Charter of the City of London say about Gov't Organization and Use?
Know: The Pipe Roll of 1130 has survived and is the source of insight into Henry's Gov't.
The single organ of the feudal state was the curia regis.
The people did not distinguish one function of the state from another.
In the practice as to time and place of meeting, there was the same indefiniteness.
The court was the king's personal machine and meet when and where he pleased.
To the Barons in general it was a burden, a service, which was demanded by the King.
We find in this reign evidence of a large curia regis and of a small curia regis.
The large court was the assembly of all the barons, meeting on occasions only, and on special summons.
The small court was practically permanently in session, and was composed of the king's household officers and of such barons or bishops as might be in attendance or present at the time.
The smaller was not a committee of the larger. It did not act by delegated powers. It was the curia regis itself.
Gradually the Exchequer Court was distinguished from the curia regis.
The sheriffs, who collected the King's revenues, were responsible to the curia regis.
It is the small curia regis which has supervision of the matter in Henry's time.
By this date a procedure had developed for examining & checking the sheriff's accounts.
Sherrifs accounted for funds from many sources including:
rents from the king's lands
share of the fines which went to the king from the local courts
fines inflicted in the king's courts on circuit
Danegeld or an aid
peculiarly feudal sources of income, ward-ships, marriages, escheats
fees paid by private persons to have their cases tried in the king's courts
Customs duties, and Income Taxation is conspicuously absent from the ledger.
England groaned constantly under the heavy burden of Henry's taxes.
Economically, however, England was well-to-do.
England had been almost without experience of the devastation that went with war.
Especially is this time of peace is to be seen in the development of the towns.
Henry's granted London's Charter, and received a rent of L300 a year.
Under the Charter, London could appoint its own Sherrifs and Justicar.
Read: Pages 114-117 of the text
(Chapter IX the first part)
Consider: Why
would Earls and Barons be quick to gather 'round the dying King Henry
I?
Why did no one take action to enthrone Matilda after Henry I died?
Why would Henry have thought that Stephen would support Matilda as Queen?
Why would Stephen act so quickly upon hearing of the death of Henry?
Why would London accept Stephen when Canterbury and Dover did not?
What 'deal' was made at London, and does it reflect Fuedal or Constitutional Kingship?
Why did Stephen procced to Winchest with such haste?
Did Henry, Bishop of Winchester (Stephen's Brother) secure Stephen's Crown? How?
Why would the Archbishop of Canterbury be troubled by his Oath of loyalty to Matilda?
Why would a 'death bed release' be considered both enough, and plausible?
Why was the support of the Church so needful to Stephen?
Why is Hugh Bigod declaired to be a 'chief traitor'?
Why did Bishop Henry argue for the accpetance of Stephen as King?
Which of the supports secured at Winchester was of greatest value to King Stephen?
Why would Stephen being 'a consecrated King' be a telling argument in his favour?
Why was Stephen's Reign a period of active strife and fuedal anarchy?
What Kingly Qualities did Stephen bring to the Throne? Which were missing?
What was Matilda's gravest error in her Quest for the Crown?
Why did the Norman Barons accept Stephen as Duke and King?
Why did Stephen have to 'buy support'?
What does the Grant to Miles of Gloucester seem so important to history?
Know: Matilda was with her Husband in Anjou when Henry I died.
Henry's natural son, Robert of Gloucester, was present for his father's passing.
No steps were taken by any one in Normandy to put Matilda in possession of the duchy.
The Barons took counsel on the situation; but nothing was done about the succession.
Stephen of Boulogne did not wait for events, he went to England straight-away.
Dover & Canterbury were held by garrisons of Earl Robert's and refused Stephen entry.
Stephen pushed on to London. There he was received with welcome by the citizens.
A body of plunderers were making pressing arguments in favour of the immediate re-establishment of order in London.
The city bound itself to recognize Stephen as king, and he promised to put down disorder and maintain security.
Stephen went immediately to Winchester to secure the royal treasures and more support.
Present there were the Archbishop William of Canterbury, Roger, Bishop of
Salisbury, the head of King Henry's administrative system, a few, but not many, barons.
Henry Bishop of Winchester argued for Stephen to secure the Liberty of the Church.
The oath to Matilda was really the greatest difficulty in Stephen's way.
Hugh Bigod swore that Henry had released the Barons from this oath on his deathbed.
Stephen returned from Winchester to London for his coronation at Westminster, on Dec. 22.
Stephen had acted with great energy, rapidity, and courage.
As soon as Matilda learned of her father's death, she entered Normandy from the south.
Geoffrey (Matilda's husband) allowed his troops to plunder the Normans.
Stephen's Coronation and acceptance in England persuaded the Normans to accept him as Duke.
Stephen buried Henry at Reading in the abbey which Henry had founded with becoming Pomp.
Read: Pages 118-122 of the text
(Chapter IX the second part)
Consider: Why
did David, King of Scots move against northern England?
Why did Stephen make a 'deal' with David and Henry?
Why did Stephen send special Writs of Summons for his Easter Court?
Was Stephen's Easter Court successful?
Why did Robert of Gloucester, the Empress's brother, acknowledge Stepen at Oxford?
Why did Stephen make the 'deal' with the Church? Was it different in nature from the ones made by William and Henry?
Why was the Papal Sanction so important as to be made part of Stephan's Charter?
Why did the Pope break off debate, and refuse a hearing on the Succesion Question?
Why did the Pope write a 'private letter' recognizing Stephen as King of England?
Why was the Pope's acceptance so import to Stephen and the Church in England?
How does the beginning of Stephen's Reign compare with that of Henry I?
What was Stephen's “Fatal Flaw” as King?
What is meant by the term 'King by Contract'? How did it apply to Henry I and Stephen?
Why is consideration of Stephen as an 'usurper' pointless?
Why does the historical material make so much reference to Stephen's Election as King?
How does Stephen's action in the Norwich Affair reveal his character as King?
What does the Baldwin of Redvers rebellion show about Stephen's Policies as King?
How do the forest assizes of Brampton play into Stephen's problems as King?
Know: David, King of the Scots crossed into northern England, claiming to support Matilda.
David King of Scots held his men back from looting, and made peace with Stephen.
Stephen's first Easter Court was well attended, by English and Norman Barons.
Stephen's wife Matilda was crowned at the Easter Court, an extravagant affair.
Robert of Gloucester did Stephen homage at Oxford, and promised to be his man 'so long as the king should maintain him in his position and keep faith with him'.
By the time of the Oxford Court (just after Easter) All England and practically all Normandy had accepted Stephen.
Stephen's Oxford grant of charter to the Church was sweeping:
All simony shall cease
Vacancies shall be canonically filled
Possessions of the Church shall be administered by its own men during a vacancy
Jurisdiction over all ecclesiastical persons and property was abandoned
Daneguild was given up.
Matilda appealed to the Pope against Stephen (as William had against Harold).
The Pope did not allow the case to come to a decision.
The Pope's private letter acknowledging Stephen as King reduced the issue of the Oath to Matilda for the Church in England.
At Oxford, Stephen's bold stroke for the Crown was shown as successful as Henry I's.
And yet Stephen, like Henry I, had put himself into a position which only the highest gifts of statesmanship and character could maintain, and in these he was fatally lacking.
Stephen found himself unable to rule with the sterness need to supress the Barons.
Hugh Bigod, Robert of Bampton, Baldwin of Redvers all 'got off easy'.
The Forest Assizes at Brampton were seen as violations of his Oath to God and People.
Stephen did not lack courage, nor did he neglect his duties as King, his failure as a Monarch was in that he did not free his Kingdom of anarchy and rebellious barons.
Read: Pages 123-125 of the text
(Chapter IX the last part)
Consider: Why
would Mercenaries have been common, and why would Stephen need them?
What contrasts would have been seen between Henry's and Stephen's mercenaries?
Why would Stephen have considered the rebellion in Wales un-important?
What does Stephens repsonse to this rebellion in Wales tell us about Stephen's views?
Why might Strephen have been 'slow and weak' in his actions in Wales?
Why would Stephen find a 'cash hoard' in the Archbishop of Canterbury's possessions?
What opinions about Stephen were formed in his First Year?
Why would no one have moved against him during this time?
Why would Normandy have fallen into such chaos?
What were the basic causes for Stephen's difficulties in Normandy?
What would have been the causes for Jealouises between the Normans and Mercenaries?
Why would Stephen and Robert, Earl of Gloucester have been suspicious of each other?
Why would Henry have been able to deal differently than Stephen did with suspicions?
Why are the details of William, Duke of Aquitaine, Louis VII, and Eleanor important?
Why are the details of the Bedford Castle Incident important?
Know: Stephen appeared to be trying to strengthen his hand by the use of Mercenaries.
William of Ypres (mercenary) was one Stephens most faithful and ablest adherents.
Stephen failed to give the rebellion in Wales his personal attention.
Stephen 'left the Welsh to weaken themselves', the policy displeased the Barons.
Stephen was probably already short of cash by the time of the rebellion in Wales.
Stephen ignored his Charter and Promise when he took posession of the Archbihopric.
Stephen Crossed to Normandy, middle of Lent 1137, and stayed till Christmass.
Parts of Normandy had suffered severely from private wars.
The house of Beaumont, Waleran of Meulan and Robert of Leicester, were
carrying on a fierce conflict with Roger of Tosny in the South-East of the Duchy.
September, 1136, central Normandy was the scene of another useless and savage raid of
Geoffrey of Anjou, accompanied by William, the last duke of Aquitaine, William Talvas, and others.
Henry the son of Matilda Daughter of Henry I and Geoffrey of Anjou was three years old at this time.
The general population warmly welcomed Stephen, hoping for the restoration of order.
The barons resented his use of Flemish soldiers and the influence of William of Ypres
May Louis VI of France recognized him as duke, on the same terms as Henry I had been
In June, the jealousies between the Normans and the hired soldiers broke out in open fighting, many were slain, and the Norman barons withdrew from the army.
In July a truce for two years was agreed to between Stephen and Geoffrey.
Robert was suspected of treason during the battles against Geoffrey.
The outcome of whatever happened was Stephen took an Oath to attempt nothing
further against the earl
William, last Duke of Aquitaine arranged that Eleanore marry Louis VII of France.
In July at Bordeaux, they married and the young Louis VII received the homage of the vassals of a territory more than twice his father's in area, which was thus united with the French Crown.
Stephens attempt to reward the house of Beaumont with the Castle and Earldom of Beford was a disaster, Stephen acting as his fathers had, with out the strength to see it through.
Bedford was beseiged, Stephen had to leave early to fight on the Scottish boarder.
Castle Beford was surrendered to Bishop Henry of Winchester.
Read: Pages 126-129 of the text
(Chapter X the first part)
Consider: Why
would the Bedford Castle incident be thought the beginning of the
long civil war?
Why did "...a mild man, and soft, and good,... " prove to be so unfit as King?
How could these latter years of King Stephen's Reign best be described?
Why did King Stephen not pursue David, King of Scots more forcefully?
What events make it appear that Matilda was gaining Support in England and Scotland?
Why was the Talbot rebellion more serious than the Scottish Invasion?
What was the effect of Robert's formal declaration that allegiance was ended?
On what grounds was Robert correct in breaking off his Allegiance to King Stephen?
Why would all of Stephen's Earls have remained Loyal?
What was life like for Nobles and Commoners around Bristol during this time?
What does the fate of the Bishop of Bath say about the 'sides' in this civil warfare?
Why did Stephen hang the garrison and commander of Shrewsbury? Was it wise?
Why did Stephen abandon the siege of Bristol?
Why would a man whose castles defied him in the south support Stephen in the North?
Who was the real leader of the Northern English Resistance to the Scots?
Why did the parley attempt of Bruce and Balliol fail?
Why would did the Scottish attacks on the English forces (22 August) fail?
What was the effect of the Scottish loss on the unrest in England?
Know: 1137-1138 were the years in which Stephens 'to weak to rule' reputation was established.
During Stephen's reign, barons acted in their own interests, and central authority failed.
Stephen went North from Bedford to face the Scots. (January 1138).
Portions of Northumberland down to the Tyne were ravaged by the Scottish Army.
David fell back across the border, and Stephen made reprisals on a small district of southern Scotland.
Stephen's barons did not want to fight during Lent, and operations were abandoned.
Shortly after Easter David began a new invasion, and at about the same time rebellion broke out in the south-west of England, (Geoffrey Talbot, revolted and held Hereford castle).
Robert of Gloucester in about the middle of June broke off his Allegiance to Stephen.
A beginning of rebellion had occurred somewhat earlier across the channel.
In June, Geoffrey of Anjou entered the duchy again and is said to have persuaded Robert to take the side of his sister, Matilda.
Numerous churchmen (including Pope Innocent II) had also informed Robert that he was endangering his soul by not keeping his original oath to King Henry.
William Peverel, Ralph Lovel, Robert of Lincoln, William Fitz John, William of Mohun, Ralph Paganel, and William Fitz Alan, are mentioned by name as holding castles against the king.
Stephen acted with energy. He seized Robert's lands and destroyed his castles wherever he could get at them.
Bristol (Roberts English Headquarters) was strong by nature, protected by two rivers and open to the sea, and it had been strongly fortified and prepared for resistance.
Stephen was persuaded that it would be better policy to give up the attempt on Bristol for the present, and to capture as many as possible of the smaller castles held by the rebels
Many surrenders and submissions took place after the hanging of the Garrison of Shrewsbury Castle.
Archbishop Thurstan came forward as the real leader in the Scottish crisis.
William Peverel fought for the English even though his castles were defying the king.
The great danger of a Scottish conquest of the north or invasion of central England was for the present over with the English victory near near Northallerton on 22 August.
Consider: What
events made the year 1138 'on the whole' to be in Stephen's favour?
Why was Bristol a threatening source of danger?
Why was the granting of the title of Earl used by Stephen, his rivals, and successors?
How were these 'new Earls' different from the Anglo-Saxon Earls?
Why would the election of Theobald, Abbot of Bec as Archbishop of Canterbury follow the compromise of Willaim and Anslem?
Why did Stephen oppose the election of Henry of Winchester to the Archbishopric?
How did Stephen distroy his prospects as King of England in 1139?
Who achived the greatest success for King Stephen in 1139?
What did Stephen do wrong at the Great Council of June 1139?
Why did the Bishops fortify their Castles and Holdings at this time?
What two things did Stephen need to 'pull off' the Arrest of Bishops?
How did the methods used by Stephen impact his ability to rule?
Why did Henrey of Winchester call a Council at Winchester on 30 August 1139?
What impact did this Council of Winchester have at the time?
Why was Arundel Castle chosen for the landing of Robert and Matilda?
Why was Robert of Gloucester so loyal to his hald sister?
Why did Stephen send Matlida to Bristol under the protection of Henry and Waleran?
Why was the treatment of the Bishops, combinded with the harobouring in Bristol of Matlida and Robert so fatal to Stephen's plans?
Know: In 1138, Stephen had managed to put down almost all insurrections, except Bristol.
Count Waleran and William of Ypres had driven back Geoffrey's invasion of Normandy.
Stephen made four new Earldoms in less than a year. (nearly doubling their number)
By the end of his Reign Stephen had made 9 new Earls, Matilda made 6. (quadrupling)
These new Earldoms meant increase of social consideration and rank, not office.
At the close of the year the archbishopric of Canterbury was filled (after a year's delay).
Stephen opposed Henry of Winchester's election, Theobald, Abbot of Bec was elected.
In April 1139, Stephen's Queen Matilda made peace with King David of Scotland
At the Latern Council the Popeconfirmed Stephen as King, and made Henry Legate.
Stephen was occupied during the early months of 1139, as he had been the year before, in attacking the castles which were held against him.
At the end of June the great council of the kingdom came together at Oxford, where Henry arrested the Bishops Roger (of Salisbury) and Alexander (of Lincoln) on an apparent pretext.
The administrative and financial system was still in the hands of the family of Roger of Salisbury (as it had been under Henry I).
That bishops should fortify castles, was not in accordance with the theory of the Church, nor was it in accordance with the custom in England and Normandy.
Henry of Winchester, who may have had personal reasons for alarm, was not disposed to play the part of Lanfranc and defend the king for arresting bishops, and called a council of his own.
The council met on August 30 but ended without taking any real action against the king.
While these events were going on, the Empress and her brother had decided that the time was favourable for a descent on England.
Matilda and Robert landed at Arundel on the last day of September with only one hundred and forty men
Stephen unable to catpure Robert, later send Matilda to him at Bristol under escort.
Consider: What
events made the year 1138 'on the whole' to be in Stephen's favour?
Why was Bristol a threatening source of danger?
Why was the granting of the title of Earl used by Stephen, his rivals, and successors?
How were these 'new Earls' different from the Anglo-Saxon Earls?
Why would the election of Theobald, Abbot of Bec as Archbishop of Canterbury follow the compromise of Willaim and Anslem?
Why did Stephen oppose the election of Henry of Winchester to the Archbishopric?
How did Stephen distroy his prospects as King of England in 1139?
Who achived the greatest success for King Stephen in 1139?
What did Stephen do wrong at the Great Council of June 1139?
Why did the Bishops fortify their Castles and Holdings at this time?
What two things did Stephen need to 'pull off' the Arrest of Bishops?
How did the methods used by Stephen impact his ability to rule?
Why did Henrey of Winchester call a Council at Winchester on 30 August 1139?
What impact did this Council of Winchester have at the time?
Why was Arundel Castle chosen for the landing of Robert and Matilda?
Why was Robert of Gloucester so loyal to his hald sister?
Why did Stephen send Matlida to Bristol under the protection of Henry and Waleran?
Why was the treatment of the Bishops, combinded with the harobouring in Bristol of Matlida and Robert so fatal to Stephen's plans?
Know: In 1138, Stephen had managed to put down almost all insurrections, except Bristol.
Count Waleran and William of Ypres had driven back Geoffrey's invasion of Normandy.
Stephen made four new Earldoms in less than a year. (nearly doubling their number)
By the end of his Reign Stephen had made 9 new Earls, Matilda made 6. (quadrupling)
These new Earldoms meant increase of social consideration and rank, not office.
At the close of the year the archbishopric of Canterbury was filled (after a year's delay).
Stephen opposed Henry of Winchester's election, Theobald, Abbot of Bec was elected.
In April 1139, Stephen's Queen Matilda made peace with King David of Scotland
At the Latern Council the Popeconfirmed Stephen as King, and made Henry Legate.
Stephen was occupied during the early months of 1139, as he had been the year before, in attacking the castles which were held against him.
At the end of June the great council of the kingdom came together at Oxford, where Henry arrested the Bishops Roger (of Salisbury) and Alexander (of Lincoln) on an apparent pretext.
The administrative and financial system was still in the hands of the family of Roger of Salisbury (as it had been under Henry I).
That bishops should fortify castles, was not in accordance with the theory of the Church, nor was it in accordance with the custom in England and Normandy.
Henry of Winchester, who may have had personal reasons for alarm, was not disposed to play the part of Lanfranc and defend the king for arresting bishops, and called a council of his own.
The council met on August 30 but ended without taking any real action against the king.
While these events were going on, the Empress and her brother had decided that the time was favourable for a descent on England.
Matilda and Robert landed at Arundel on the last day of September with only one hundred and forty men
Stephen unable to catpure Robert, later sent Matilda to him at Bristol under escort.
Consider: Why
would Stephen chose to fight at Lincoln without gathering a larger
army?
Why would Robert rely on the Disenheirted, yet place the Earl of Chester at the front?
Why didn't Matilda wait for a Coronation before issuing royal proclamations as Lady and Queen of England?
Why did she agree that Henry of Winchester would chose Bishops and Abbots?
Why did Henry of Winchester call the Council of April 7th, 1141?
Why did Matilda spend the first part of the year at Oxford instead of London?
How do Matlida cost herself the Coronation and a Kingdom at peace?
Why would Henery of Winchester be concerned for Eustace's Titles and Lands?
Why would Matilda and Robert attack Winchester after the 'flight from London'?
Why were Stephen's men bold enough to beseige the beseigers?
Why would the exchange of King Stephen for the Duke of Gloucester be called 'even'?
Why was Stephen unable to recover the whole of England?
Why would the Archbishop re-crown Stephen?
What is the signficance of the Council of Westminster of 7 December 1141?
How was Stephen able to recover the loyalty of the Earls of Chester & Lincoln in 1142?
Know: In the Battle of Lincoln, Stephen was on foot at the rear behind two lines of Earls.
The Earl of Chester lead the charge of the opposing forces, made up primarily of the 'Disenherited' – those raised up by Henry, and brought low by Stephen.
Stephen was captured after his lines of earls fled, but only after several attacks on him.
Stephen surrendered to Robert of Gloucester, and was sent to Gloucester, then Bristol.
Stephen's Earls escaped, Matilda's forces (Robert's Army) looted Lincoln.
March 3, 1141 - Matilda was ceremonially proclaimed Lady of the English ("domina anglorum" or "Anglorum Domina") at Winchester Cathedral .
Matilda was declared Lady and Queen of the English on 8 April 1141 in Winchester by Bishop and Papal Legate Henry of Winchester following the Council of 7 April.
Matlida began to act as Queen immediately - appointing Bishops and Earls, and referening in documents to her Kingdom and her Crown.
Matilda's demands on the City of London so insulted the populace that they threw her out before her formal coronation could happen, even though the King of Scots had come down for it.
Henry changed sides again and joined with Stephen, when Matilda wouldn't promise to recognize Eustace's lands and titles in Europe (.
Robert and Matlida took Winchester, evicted Bishop Henry and besieged the bishop 's castle there.
The besiegers became the besieged, Robert became rear-guard for Matilda.
Stephen's forces took Robert of Gloucestor prisoner, and on November 1, Matilda exchanged Stephen for Robert.
Siege and skirmish, treason and counter-treason, fill up the passing months for the next 10 years.
December 7, a new council, assembling in Westminster, reversed the decisions of the council of Winchester.
Shortly after Stephen created William of Albini as Earl of Sussex or Arundel, and Gilbert of Clare as Earl of Hertford
In the early months of 1142 Stephen recovered the allegiance of the Earl of Chester and of his brother, the Earl of Lincoln.
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