1. William II's return to England in 1099 (II)

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  • Created by: Alasdair
  • Created on: 14-06-17 18:13
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  • 1. William II's return to England in 1099 (II)
    • The Vexin war of 1097-98
      • Characterised by little fighting
      • William initially gathered support from barons in region
        • Especially Robert of Meulan and Guy of La Roche-Guyon
      • Rufus mustered army (possibly 10,000 knights)
      • Winter of 1097, Rufus entered area around Gisors
      • Rufus ordered building of a castle there
      • February 1098, Rufus suddenly decided to leave region with Robert of Belleme
        • Did this in order to deal with Helias
          • Helias had started to stamp his authority on parts of Maine through building of fortifications
      • Robert of Belleme
        • Great military prowess and success
        • Cruel even by Norman standards
        • Initially side with Robert Curthose but changed allegiance by 1097
          • Helped Rufus in battles against Curthose and Philip of France
        • Robert opposed Henry I coming to throne in 1100
    • Rufus and Maine
      • 1. Robert of Belleme had estates and castles in Maine
        • Had much control of region
      • 2. Helias threatened Robert of Belleme's properties by constructing a castle at Danguel
      • 3. Rufus felt obliged to assist Robert of Belleme as he had been an ally after 1088 rebellion of Norman barons
      • 4. Major problem for Rufus and Robert of Belleme
        • Many people of Maine (barons, citizens of Le Mans and clergy) despised Normans
          • People believed Normans had seized property that was not rightfully theirs
        • Rufus believed he needed to show those living in Maine rule by himself was better than Helias's
      • 5. February to April 1098
        • Much fighting occurred between Robert of Belleme's forces and Helias's in area around Danguel
        • Helias was eventually captured and imprisoned at Bayeux
      • 6. Almost immediately after Helias's capture
        • Fulk of Anjou attacked Le Mans
          • Occupied it
          • Left son, Geoffrey, in charge
      • 7. William decided to launch his own expedition to take Le Mans
        • Within short space of time he boosted his army to around five or six thousand
        • Started to win over some nobles
          • Included Pain of Mondoubleau in Maine (previously wary of King)
        • Summer of 1098
          • William laid siege to Le Mans
          • After negotiations between Rufus, Fulk and imprisoned Helias
            • Fulk and Helias agreed to return Le Mans and other towns in Maine to William II
      • 8. Rufus ordered Le Mans to be garrisoned
        • Taking of most important fortified city  coup for Rufus
        • Allowed him to return to Vexin to attempt to finish his business there.
    • Vexin War of 1098-99
      • By September 1098 Rufus had reassembled armies at Conches just outside Vexin
      • Invasion launched on area up to Pontoise, where Rufus rested and gained new ally in Walter Tirel, Lord of Poix
      • Campaign moved south of Seine
        • Aim was to overcome fortresses that protect Paris
          • Suggests Rufus was aiming to take whole of Vexin
      • By spring of 1099
        • Rufus had experienced limited success and defences of Paris, centre of Vexin, remained intact
    • Why did William II 'Rufus' return to England in 1099?
      • Returned Easter 1099
      • Gained authority in Maine and, in end, there had been little opposition to him regaining territory
        • Achieved major  aim of his mission
      • Failure to take French Vexin
        • Forced in making truce with French King.
        • William probably thought there was no glory in continuing blockade of fortresses to gain Vexin
        • Prolonged sieges used up resources and time
          • Rufus preferred to do battle to achieve quick and decisive outcomes
        • Rufus never faced any significant military leader during Vexin War
          • Possible Philip I too scared to face Rufus in open battle as it would led to loss of morale and support of people in Vexin
      • William felt he had neglected affairs in England despite country being stable
        • 1. On return, dealt with issue regarding extra help to monks at Christ Church, Canterbury
        • 2. Met up with Edgar, King of Scots to discuss northern affairs (usual concerns over border territory)
          • May have been connected to appointment of Ranulf Flambard as bishop of Durham not long after meeting
      • By midsummer 1099
        • Appeared Rufus was in settled position and could focus on planning for future.
      • By mid-June 1099 messenger arrived from Maine informing Rufus Helias had been released from prison and was trying to retake Le Mans
        • Rufus reacted quickly, forcing Helias to retreat to Mayet
          • Rufus's siege of town was unsuccessful leaving Helias free
        • Following failure to recapture Helias, King returned to Le Mans to ensure it was reinforced
          • Rufus punished people in city who were supposedly complicit in Helias's uprising (particularly Bishop Hildebert by exiling him).
      • Rufus finally returned to England in September 1099

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