4/5. The events and circumstances of William II's death

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  • Created by: Alasdair
  • Created on: 12-06-17 10:24
Events of William II's death (I)
2 August 1100
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Events of William II's death (II)
William II went on hunting trip in New Forest, Hampshire.
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Events of William II's death (III)
Late afternoon, he was killed by an arrow supposedly fired from bow of a companion called Walter Tirel (Lord of Poix in Normandy). Tirel had supported Rufus's second campaign in French Vexin in 1098.
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Events of William II's death (IV)
King's body taken away by horse and cart to Winchester where he was buried next day. Immediately after his death, Rufus's younger brother, Henry, took possession of royal treasure.
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Events of William II's death (V)
At same time as Rufus's burial, Henry was elected, by emergency council of nobles, as King.
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Events of William II's death (VI)
On 5 Aug, new king was officially crowned in Westminster Abbey by Maurice, Bishop of London. Speed at which this occurred undoubtedly due to Henry wanting to limit challenges to claim and to prevent instability.
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Three main reasons William's death were controversial (I)
Many of contemporary sources mentioned supernatural occurrences just before King's death hinting at connection with occult practices.
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Three main reasons William's death were controversial (II)
Henry's urgency in gaining Crown suggested to some historians he plotted to murder Rufus
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Three main reasons William's death were controversial (III)
Account produced at time of incident are conflicting and open to different interpretations.
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The theory of supernatural occurrences (I)
Suggestion King's death was linked to devil worship. Fairly common for medieval kings to be murdered as sacrifice to devil if they had ruled in evil ways.
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The theory of supernatural occurrences (II)
Numerous references in main sources to supernatural occurrences just before King's death.
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The theory of supernatural occurrences (III)
One portent of King's death was related to appearance of blood in unusual circumstances (on Pentecost in village in Berkshire 'blood was seen to well up from the earth'.
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The theory of supernatural occurrences (IV)
Appearance of blood considered symbolic of 'blood sacrifice' that would soon ensue.
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The theory of supernatural occurrences (V)
Spurting blood was theme of dream Rufus supposedly had night before his death. Account of dream suggesting Rufus had foreseen his demise and was shaken by this.
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The theory of supernatural occurrences (VI)
Rufus's killing dreamed of by monk, who apparently reported his concerns to close friend of King's, Robert fitz Haimo.
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The theory of supernatural occurrences (VII)
Archbishop Anselm, exiled in France, had also experienced visions about death - rumoured to have been visited by angel before event that told him what was going to happen.
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The theory of supernatural occurrences (VIII)
Theory largely discredited by historians. Devil worship cults in medieval period only active in Germany.
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The theory of supernatural occurrences (IX)
Emphasis on portents in accounts of chroniclers often end with summary of Rufus's rule - most were monks, clearly wanted to embellish accounts to show they believed Rufus had ruled with lack of piety and how, in their eyes, he deserved to die.
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The theory that William II was murdered (I)
Dreams and visions of Rufus and monks could suggest knowledge of plot among nobility to kill the King.
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The theory that William II was murdered (II)
Henry certainly had motive to do so - Robert had not arrived back from crusading, Henry was next in line to take control of England and Normandy
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The theory that William II was murdered (III)
Henry knew Curthose on his way back - spurred him to complete killing (as Robert was eldest son, had claim, and also married with possibility of heir)
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The theory that William II was murdered (IV)
Henry quick to take over brother's mantle after death.
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The theory that William II was murdered (V)
Henry also granted special privileges to those close to him - included Clare and Gifford families (both had members who were related through marriage to Walter Tirel) - suggests Tirel may have been willing participant in Rufus's murder
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The theory that William II was murdered (VI)
Claim Rufus's death was partly engineered by Fr King and Duke of Anjou - Rufus increasingly posed threat to principalities neighbouring Normandy (especially French Vexin, Maine and Aquitaine) therefore leaders of regions desperate to get rid of him
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The theory that William II was murdered (VII)
Some view Tirel as 'double agent' who conspired with those overseas and with Henry to murder Rufus - theory makes sense but evidence not fully convincing
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The theory that William II was murdered (VIII)
Conspiracy theory - usually based on opinions rather than sound historical judgments.
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The theory that William II was murdered (IX)
Not totally clear who was present in New Forest during hunting expedition - not even confirmed Tirel was there (very likely though), let alone fired fatal shot.
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The theory that William II was murdered (X)
Actions of Henry need to be viewed as not unusual - Rufus himself was already on his way to England from Rouen to claim father's crown before Conqueror died; Stephen was equally quick when Henry when he died
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The theory that William II was murdered (XI)
Quick ascension understandable especially when consideration is given to what might have happened if swift manoeuverings had not occurred (numerous claimants, ambiguous claims, delay was likely to result in unrest, rebellion or civil war)
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The theory that William II was murdered (XII)
Likely Clare and Gifford would have gained more power under Rufus (already coming to fore) and return of Curthose would not necessarily mean he would have demanded back Normandy or he or his children would succeed Rufus. Henry still had strong claim.
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Possibility William II's death was an accident (I)
Hunting popular Norman pastime and accidents fairly frequent (e.g. Conqueror's son Richard was killed on hunting trip in New Forest after he rode into a tree whilst chasing a stag).
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Possibility William II's death was an accident (II)
Possibly combination of mistakes made by King and Tirel when engaging in leisure pursuit and bad luck.
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Conflicting accounts of chroniclers (I)
Similarities and differences between accounts. Variations can be explained b making reference to provenance of sources but also to purpose behind production and degree of comprehensiveness.
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Conflicting accounts of chroniclers (II)
Main primary sources open to variance of interpretation, not surprising different theories have arisen over Rufus's death. Issue of similarities and diifferences can apply to any event - likely to be greater when king dies due to unnatural causes
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Other cards in this set

Card 2

Front

William II went on hunting trip in New Forest, Hampshire.

Back

Events of William II's death (II)

Card 3

Front

Late afternoon, he was killed by an arrow supposedly fired from bow of a companion called Walter Tirel (Lord of Poix in Normandy). Tirel had supported Rufus's second campaign in French Vexin in 1098.

Back

Preview of the back of card 3

Card 4

Front

King's body taken away by horse and cart to Winchester where he was buried next day. Immediately after his death, Rufus's younger brother, Henry, took possession of royal treasure.

Back

Preview of the back of card 4

Card 5

Front

At same time as Rufus's burial, Henry was elected, by emergency council of nobles, as King.

Back

Preview of the back of card 5
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