Strevett, Neil (2005) The Anglo-Norman aristocracy under divided Lordship, 1087-1106: a social and political study. PhD thesis. http://theses.gla.ac.uk/2441/ Copyright and moral rights for this thesis are retained by the author A copy can be downloaded for personal non-commercial research or study, without prior permission or charge This thesis cannot be reproduced or quoted extensively from without first obtaining permission in writing from the Author The content must not be changed in any way or sold commercially in any format or medium without the formal permission of the Author When referring to this work, full bibliographic details including the author, title, awarding institution and date of the thesis must be given Glasgow Theses Service http://theses.gla.ac.uk/ [email protected] 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 ABBREVIATIONS Acta Lan/ranci The Anglo-Saxon Chronicle: A Collaborative Edition, 3, MS. A, ed. J. M. Bately (Cambridge, 1986) AN Annales de Normandie ANS Anglo-Norman Studies ASC Anglo-Saxon Chronicle, ed. and trans. D. Whitelock, D. C. Douglas and S.1. Tucker (London, 1961) Barlow, Rufus F. 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