3. Robert's return from the Crusade
- Created by: Alasdair
- Created on: 15-06-17 18:57
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- 3. Robert's return from the Crusade
- Background
- First Crusade involvement ended in August 1099 after Battle of Ascalon
- Battle weary and exhausted, Robert decided to return home
- Journey took him twelve months
- Rested for considerable time in Constantinople and gained married Sybil.
- Sybil
- Important as he not only gained influential relatives
- Prospect of Robert having son to carry on family line.
- Impact of Robert's return on Rufus
- William II may have heard about Robert's return soon after his departure from Holy Land and also that he got married on journey
- Even if Rufus knew, no record of how he reacted to news
- Assumption King might have been thinking:
- Rufus might have been aware Robert's reputation as military leader had been enhanced
- No evidence William tried to reinforce Normandy as he probably believed Robert would be welcomed back
- Rufus probably felt his best option was to resell Normandy once Robert had returned
- Robert would have had money through marriage to Sybil and booty gained from crusading
- Possible Rufus was going to bide his time and strike deal with Robert that involved King retaining some influence over Normandy
- Although Robert may have had 10,000 marks to buy back Normandy, he may not have wanted to spend it all doing so
- Robert possibly wanted to keep some wealth in reserve due to being married with prospect of starting family
- Although Robert may have had 10,000 marks to buy back Normandy, he may not have wanted to spend it all doing so
- Possibility Robert's return would spark another rebellion in England
- Rufus had ruled with iron fist making him unpopular - possibility Robert's escapades in Holy Land had gained him hero status, wealth and military experience
- Theoretically, Robert was in strong position to head insurgency against Rufus
- Unlikely as Rufus retained much support from English nobility
- Rufus might have been aware Robert's reputation as military leader had been enhanced
- Impact of news of Robert's return on Henry
- More worrying for Henry than William II
- Robert's marriage and likelihood of production of an heir reduced Henry's chances of making any gains if Rufus died prematurely (which he did)
- Robert would automatically take back control of Normandy and make claim to England, given he was eldest son
- Once in position, Robert would have prospect of being able to pass on his titles to his own son
- When Rufus did die, Henry acted very quickly to seize Crown of England
- At first, Robert did not seem too perturbed by this
- But after being advised by Ranulf Flambard about what to do, Robert's relationship with Henry deteriorated rapidly
- Kingdoms of Normandy and England again separated under governance of two rulers until 1106
- Created uncertainty for those who owned land in both areas in terms of to whom to show allegiance
- Background
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