William the Conqueror

Later Years

His eldest son, Robert, rebelled against him in 1078, in Normandy. Originally, Robert was to have inherited both Normandy and England. This revolt caused William to reject his oldest as a fit heir to the crown of England. Robert became duke of Normandy and William II became king of England.

This had profound implications for both nations. Had it turned out that Robert succeeded his father as both Duke of Normandy and King of England, he would have been one of the strongest monarchs in Europe. Normandy would have been a part of England and would have been pulled steadily away from French control; or, perhaps, England would have been pulled more into a French orbit.

In any event, because of the family quarrel, Normandy and England would go their separate ways.

History of Western Civilization

E.L. Skip Knox
Boise State University

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