3. Robert's return from the Crusade

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  • 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
        • 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
    • 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

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