Strevett, Neil (2005) The Anglo-Norman aristocracy under divided Lordship, 1087-1106

289 Pages·2011·11.42 MB·English

Strevett, Neil (2005) The Anglo-Norman aristocracy under divided
Lordship, 1087-1106: a social and political study. PhD thesis.

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The Anglo-Norman Aristocracy under Divided
Lordship, 1087-1106:
A Social and Political Study
Neil Strevett
Thesis submitted for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy
University of Glasgow
Department of History
Medieval Area
May 2005
© Neil Strevett May 2005

Abstract
This thesis examines the political and social responses of the Anglo-Norman aristocracy
between 1087 and 1106 to the issue of divided lordship. The central theme is the
importance of the concept of political legitimacy in shaping the political culture and actions
of the aristocracy during this period. The exclusion of significant sections of the cross
Channel aristocracy from the consultation process in selecting a king in 1087 and 1100, ran
contrary to the accepted political norms and created doubts over the legitimacy of Rufus'
and Henry I's regimes that could be revived at moments of crisis. This found expression in
the support given to Robert Curthose's challenge for the English throne in 1088 and 1101,
but also in open rebellion in 1095. However, the limitations of violence as a means of
effecting long-term change necessitated a search for a negotiated political settlement that
would open the way for Normandy and England to enjoy co-existence as a permanent
solution to the problem of divided lordship. This approach locates the Anglo-Norman
aristocracy firmly within the recent scholarship of the early and late medieval aristocracy,
where political discourse is analysed primarily in terms of succession and legitimacy.
Therefore, at the centre of this analysis are the contemporary and near-contemporary
narrative sources, which display a firm understanding of contemporary theories of kingship
and the politics. When brought into focus with charter evidence, specific aspects of the
wider socio-political culture of the aristocracy, in particular religious patronage, marital
strategies and inheritance patterns, can then be read as both responses to the wider question
of the succession, and also as a commentary on contemporary politics.
Acknowledgments
The number of people who have helped me in various ways during the course of the last
seven years is enormous. I hope that a general expression of thanks will suffice. There are,
however, some debts that require specific acknowledgment. To the librarians of the
University of Glasgow, particularly the inter-library loan service, the National Library of
Scotland and the Institute of Historical Research in London, I offer thanks for speedily
responding to requests and queries with unfailing courtesy. This thesis was written while I
was registered as a student in the Medieval Area of the Department of History in the
University of Glasgow. The University granted me a scholarship for the first three years of
research and funded my attendance at the 2003 Battle Conference. Within the Medieval
Area, all members of staff have shown an interest in my research and encouraged me.
However, special mention should be made of Drs Matthew Strickland and Stuart Airlie, and
the late Professor John Thompson, all of whom have been gracious with their time,
expertise and encouragement on numerous occasions. The footnotes to this thesis are a
record of scholars in Glasgow and beyond who have been kind enough to answer specific
queries in emails and letters.
There are other, more personal debts that deserve acknowledgment. Dr Stephen Marritt has
been a source of advice, encouragement and friendship. George Hope and Eileen
O'Sullivan have been willing sounding boards for many of my ideas. Lucy Marten-Holden
of the University of East Anglia has had a profound and decisive influence on many aspects
of this thesis. Kevin Bailey has been a constant source of support and encouragement, and
together with his wife, a congenial host on research trips to London. My mother and aunt
have helped me financially in funding research trips away from home and the purchase of a
laptop.
The greatest debts have been left to last. My supervisor, Professor David Bates, has shown
extreme patience in allowing me to formulate my ideas and develop as a historian, while
gently encouraging me to curb my prolixity. The example of his scholarship has been both
intimidating and inspiring. I count it as extreme good fortune that a speculative enquiry to
the History Department of the University of Wales, College of Cardiff, would eventually
led to Glasgow and the Anglo-Norman aristocracy. My uncle, Gus, first aroused my
interest in history with stories of National Service in post war Germany. It is a source of
continuing sadness that he did not live to see where his yarns would eventually lead me.
My partner Roseanne has lived with the Anglo-Norman aristocracy for the last five years.
During that time she has never once complained about research trips away from home, or
the hours necessary to complete the writing process. Her love and support has made this
thesis possible. I hope that throughout she always knew the aristocracy were never the most
important people in my life.
ii
Contents
Abbreviations
Introduction 1
Chapter 1 Methodology 19
Part One Case Studies
Chapter 2 The Cross-Channel Aristocracy and
Attitudes to Succession: 1087-1106 48
Chapter 3 The Sheriffs and the Crises of 1088 and 1101 88
Chapter 4 Robert de Mowbray and the Revolt of 1095 115
Chapter 5 Robert de Belleme and the Crisis of 1100-1102 146
Chapter 6 William of Mortain 1100-1102 164
Part Two Analysis
Chapter 7 The Treaties of Rouen and Winchester 182
Chapter 8 Religious Patronage, Marriage and Inheritance 210
Conclusion 237
Bibliography
241
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v