9. Ranulf Flambard and government

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  • Created by: Alasdair
  • Created on: 11-06-17 10:46
Who was Ranulf Flambard? (I)
Trained as Priest and spent early parts of his career as part of Bishop Odo of Bayeux's house
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Who was Ranulf Flambard? (II)
Moved to royal court of the conqueror, eventually became keeper of royal seal - carried on position under William Rufus
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Who was Ranulf Flambard? (III)
Quickly gained trust of new King
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Who was Ranulf Flambard? (VI)
Flambard (surname) - scorcher/torchbearer
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Ranulf's influence on government (I)
Focussed on raising revenue - very efficient and money poured into royal coffers
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Ranulf's influence on government (II)
Most financial work on raising geld (enough to buy Normandy from Robert Curthose), exploitation of feudal dues, collection of revenue from vacant abbeys and bishoprics inheritance, fines
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Ranulf's influence on government (III)
Most methods of raising money were resented by swathes of nobility (considered unfair and oppressive)
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Ranulf's influence on government (IV)
Ranulf also involved in execution of justice and issue of writs
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Ranulf's influence on government (V)
So trusted and rated so highly as administrator, William 'Rufus' gave him authority to act as regent when he (William) was trying to sort out royal affairs overseas
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Ranulf's influence on government (VI)
In 1099, Ranulf was granted right to purchase bishopric of Durham and managed to find £1000 to pay for privilege
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Ranulf's influence on government (VII)
Shortly after William II's death in 1100, Ranulf was arrested and imprisoned in Tower of London
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Ranulf's influence on government (VIII)
Ranulf's crime seems to have been that of extortion (through his methods of revenue raising) although he probably was used as scapegoat for heavy-handed methods used by William 'Rufus' to govern in general
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Ranulf's influence on government (IX)
In 1101, he escaped from Tower and took refuge, with Robert Curthose, in Normandy
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Historian David Carpenter's view of Ranulf's character:
"...arrogant, abrasive, expansive, jocular, licentious, sharp-tongued and quick-witted, a man after Rufus's heart"
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Other cards in this set

Card 2

Front

Moved to royal court of the conqueror, eventually became keeper of royal seal - carried on position under William Rufus

Back

Who was Ranulf Flambard? (II)

Card 3

Front

Quickly gained trust of new King

Back

Preview of the back of card 3

Card 4

Front

Flambard (surname) - scorcher/torchbearer

Back

Preview of the back of card 4

Card 5

Front

Focussed on raising revenue - very efficient and money poured into royal coffers

Back

Preview of the back of card 5
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