How Effectively Did William I Deal with the Threats to Normandy?

The Conflict in Maine 1068-1073

In 1069 Maine revolted and came under the control of a the Maine lord, Geoffrey of Mayenne, due to William I being too busy in England with the revolts there. His wife Matilda was left in charge of Normandy but she could do little about this issue.  In 1070, Geoffrey lost control of the city of Le Mans and the situation was worsened when Fulk le Renchin, count of Anjou, took advantage of the rebellious county, taking it in 1072. William had to prioritise the threats to England and Normandy, choosing to invade Scotland in 1072. In 1073, William had brought Maine back under Norman control as he was confident that England was secure. He used surprise, speed and violence, capturing strongholds of Fresnay, Beaumont and Sille, devastating the countryside near the capital, Le Mans, which surrendered. By March 1073, Maine had been subdued.

The Rise of King Philip of France

In 1072, the newest king of France, Philip, had risen out of his minority, becoming a threat to William. He also married Bertha of Hainault, the half-sister of Robert of Flanders, making Flanders his ally as well as William's. He also offered Edgar the Atheling, William's enemy, the castle of Montreuil-sur-Mer as a base to attack Normandy. This was so serious that William re-admitted Edgar to his court. The Defeat of William at Dol In 1075 the Revolt of the Earls in England gave Philip an opportunity. Earl Ralph de Gael of Norfolk had fled to Brittany, to the Castle of Dol. Ralph was also reinforced with knights from Anjou. In September 1076, William advanced towards Brittany, trying to besiege the castle at Dol but failed. November 1076, Philip arrived with his army, catching William by surprise and forcing him to retreat! Result of William's defeat He didn't lose any territory. He lost many men, horses and treasures. He had failed to remove Ralph de Gael. This was his first military defeat which severely damaged his reputation.

William's Opponents after Dol

They all became bolder. Late 1076, Fulk le Rechin attacked one of William's strongest supporters in Maine, John of la Fleche but William did manage to break the siege. In 1077, Simon of Crepi, ruler of the Vexin had retired to a monastery. This was vital as William needed him there. King Philip took the Vexin after this, now sharing a border with William.

The Demands of Robert Curthose

He was King William I's eldest son. In 1066, Robert was recognised by William as the heir of Normandy and he also became the count of Maine. However, William thought his son spoilt and irresponsible. He also taunted and humiliated him in court. Robert has always been regarded by historians as a great military man but not on of great leadership skill. In 1077, Robert was no longer a minor and had demanded more power but William refused. Late 1077, a fight broke out between Robert and his younger brothers, William (II) and Henry (I). The next day Robert and his followers attempted to seize Rouen Castle but this ultimately resulted in their exile. This rebellion consisted of a inter-generational divide over power e.g. Robert's supporters included the sons of William's leading supporters such as, Robert of Belleme (father=Roger of Montgomery) and William of Bretueil (father=William fitzOsbern).

William's Defeat at Gerberoy

December 1078, King Philip was an opportunist, seeing William's poor relationship with Robert and so gave Robert knights and a castle at Gerberoy. This allowed Robert to raid into Normandy. Christmas 1078, King William I laid siege to Gerberoy Castle but was defeated, wounded in the arm and unhorsed by Robert. William Rufus, William I's second son fought alongside his father and was also wounded, showing that he was a loyal character. This was William's most HUMILIATING defeat as he had been betrayed by he own son. To have made things worse, Matilda, William's wife, had been providing Robert with money. Additionally, in 1079, Malcolm III of Scotland had invaded northern England. Easter 1080, William and Robert were reconciled and Robert was reconfirmed his inheritance. In Autumn 1080, Robert led an army to punish King Malcolm and founded Newcastle.

William I's Last Attack on the Vexin

In the summer of 1087, Philip's garrison in Mantes, the Vexin began to raid into Normandy. In response, William devastated the Vexin and burned Mantes. But while riding though the town, he was thrown against the pommel of his horse's saddle, causing severe internal damage. William retreated to Saint Gervase, near Rouen, to die. Sons, William Rufus and Henry Beauclerc visited him upon his deathbed, however, Robert Curthose, after having such poor relations with his father, refused to see him.   William I's death 1087 he actually died. He gave orders for prisoners to be released: Roger de Breteuil (earl of Hereford), Wulfnoth (Harold II's brother) but he refused to release Odo, yet he was persuaded by his magnates to do so. William Rufus succeeded him, while Robert succeeded Normandy and Henry received £5,000.