The Issue of Succession

Britain – William I and Succession, 1051-1106

In this course, Professor Robert Bartlett (University of St Andrews) explores the issue of William I and the succession. In the first module, we provide an introduction to the issue of succession whilst also laying the foundation for looking at the problems surrounding William I’s succession in particular. In the second module, we take a look at the first challenge made towards William I’s rule by one of his potential successors, namely Robert Curthose’s rebellion of 1078. In the third module, we turn to look at the death of William I and the events that followed in 1088, before in the fourth module surveying the divided realm that came into being after his passing. In the fifth module, we pay particular attention to the year 1100 and its significance as a turning point in events relating to the succession. In the sixth and final module, we then come full circle and look at the means by which England and Normandy were once again reunited.

The Issue of Succession

In this lecture, we provide an introduction to the issue of succession, focusing in particular on: (i) the importance of succession in the context of medieval and early-modern kingship; (ii) William I and his offspring, in particular his sons, Robert Curthose, William Rufus, and Henry Beauclerc; and (iii) the upbringing of William I’s sons.