William I and his successors
I can explain what was important about the disputed succession to William I.
William I and his successors
I can explain what was important about the disputed succession to William I.
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Lesson details
Key learning points
- William had a stern personality, shown in the tension with his eldest son, Robert, (who he nicknamed ‘shorty-pants’).
- Robert believed that William was denying him power, and in 1077, he rebelled.
- William's deathbed succession announcement lacked clarity and divided his kingdom and duchy.
- Some of the Norman aristocracy agreed that Robert, as the eldest son, deserved to inherit both Normandy and England.
- Robert, Bishop Odo of Bayeux, and six of William’s largest landholders launched a failed attempt to remove William II.
Keywords
Succession - succession is the process in which someone automatically inherits a position or property after someone else
Realm - a realm is an area ruled by a monarch, duke or other legitimate ruler
Primogeniture - primogeniture is the custom of a family's property going to the oldest son when the father dies
Common misconception
The one-dimensional view of William as a violent conqueror.
In fact, William was very pious and he repented some of the atrocities he had committed during his reign and insisted his treasures should be used to rebuild some of the areas he had harried.
To help you plan your year 10 history lesson on: William I and his successors, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 10 history lesson on: William I and his successors, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
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Explore more key stage 4 history lessons from the Anglo-Saxon and Norman England: how did Norman government impact England? unit, dive into the full secondary history curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
Exit quiz
6 Questions
Duke of Normandy
King of England (if it was God’s will)
£5000