Rufus

Rufus

Robert Carter

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Smashwords Edition

Copyright 2013 Robert Carter

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Table of Contents

Prologue - The Death of King William

Chapter 1 - Lanfranc

Chapter 2 - The Coronation

Chapter 3 - Rebellion

Chapter 4 - Bishop Odo

Chapter 5 - Rochester - The Fall of Odo

Chapter 6 - Henry comes to England

Chapter 7 - The Trial of William of St. Calais

Chapter 8 - The Death of Lanfranc

Chapter 9 - The Struggle for Normandy

Chapter 10 - The Invasion of Normandy

Chapter 11 - Scotland

Chapter 12 - From Carlisle to Gloucester

Chapter 13 - Rufus's Court

Chapter 14 - The spectre of Death

Chapter 15 - Anselm the Archbishop

Chapter 16 - The beginnings of Discord

Chapter 17 - The Desultory War

Chapter 18 - The Question of the Pope

Chapter 19 - The Second Rebellion

Chapter 20 - The Mortgage of Normandy

Chapter 21 - Henry in England

Chapter 22 - The final Breach with Anselm

Chapter 23 - Helias of Maine

Chapter 24 - The War Goes On

Chapter 25 - Normandy Again

Chapter 26 - The Last Hunt

Chapter 27 - Death Stalks the Forest

Epilog

Prologue

The Death of King William

Trouble was brewing on the border between Normandy and France. The area known as the Vexin lay at the heart of the problem, for it was claimed by King Philip of France and by William, King of England and Duke of Normandy. Philip had annexed the area and William, angry at having his land taken, insisted that the Vexin should be returned. He threatened violent reprisals if his demands were ignored.

William, however, was not the man he had once been. He had grown old and his once robust health was failing. There was also no chance of hiding the fact that his stout figure had become an unwieldy bulk that could scarcely be lifted onto even the strongest of chargers.

In an effort to lose some weight William took to his bed but even there he could not escape from affairs of state. All the time the question of the Vexin worried him. From his court at Rouen he sent messages to Philip urging him to give up the land he had seized.

At the French court William's letters and threats were not taken very seriously. Philip believed William to be on the verge of death and thus unable to present any serious threat to his occupation of the Vexin. The French King even made jokes at William's expense, likening his lying in bed to that of an expectant lady.

When William heard that Philip was treating his threats with such contempt he roused himself from his bed, prepared to show France that he was still an enemy to be reckoned with.

The City of Mantes was the target for William's reprisals for it lay at the heart of the occupied territory. The King of England was still weak but he had himself buckled into his battle harness and seated astride the stoutest charger that could be found so that once more he could lead his knights and barons into battle.

With a thoroughness and ruthlessness that had become his trademark, William devastated his way towards Mantes. Cornfields and vineyards and villages were all laid waste by the troops of the vengeful monarch. When the army at last approached its intended target, the inhabitants came out in a flood to plead for the safety of their homes and belongings. William had already decided that Philip needed to be taught a lesson and so he ignored their submissions. Mantes was put to the sack.

Billowing black smoke soon hung in the air in great palls showing that William's orders were being carried out. Churches, homes and shops burnt with equal ferocity. The city gave the appearance of being one huge bonfire as the victorious Normans plundered and pillaged with alacrity.

The King, watching this orgy of destruction, revelled in the knowledge that it would prove to friend and foe alike that though he was stouter and older he was still a man to be feared.

By evening the town had slowly collapsed into a smouldering ruin. The ashes of the dying buildings glowed a sullen red. Riding through the desolate remains William was exhilarated by his triumph. It was good to be back in the saddle, it was where he belonged, leading his men from the front, just as he had done at Senlac Hill.

Without warning, a roof of charred timbers crashed down at his side causing his charger to shy, treading as it did so on some hot, smouldering ashes. The great horse snorted with pain and reared up pitching the king's body against the heavy iron pommel of his saddle. It was now William's turn to cry out as a searing agony shot through him. He horse reared again, out of control, and William tumbled, deadweight to the ground. Unable, because of his bulk and the excruciating pain, to rise, William slid gratefully into unconsciousness.

When he king's men found their leader they realised at once that the wound was a serious one. They carefully laid him upon a litter and took him slowly back to Rouen. The journey was a painful one and no one could disguise from William the fact that his wound would probably prove fatal.

On arrival at Rouen, William asked that Anselm, the learned abbot of Bec should be brought to him so that through him he could make his peace with God. Unfortunately, Anselm fell ill on his journey and so Gilbert of Lisieux administered to William in his stead.

There are many deeds that I have to make amends for, said William for I have sinned against many men. However, lying here in the heart of this city I cannot pray or think in peace. I am tired of the noise of the carts as they clatter over the cobbles and the calls of the vendors selling their wares. Have me taken where I may find peace. The Priory of St. Gervase will suit as my dying place.

The priory lay to the west of Rouen and William was taken there to satisfy his desire for peace in his final days. It was here that he was visited by two of his sons, William and Henry.

William was stoutly built like his father, a rather coarse man with flaxen hair and curiously speckled eyes. He was nicknamed Le Rus or Rufus, for he had a ruddy complexion which burnt even brighter when he lost his temper as he frequently did.

Henry was William's youngest son, born after he had become the King of England. He was, to his father's mind, the most intelligent and capable of his sons.

There was another son, Robert, the eldest. He stayed away from the king's bedside for he had long since quarreled with his father and now, even with death approaching, father and son could not be reconciled.

Scribes were called to William's bed so that he could dictate his will. Now that death was so near he felt in dire needs of forgiveness for all the wrongs he had perpetrated over the years. He had gained much wealth and now he endeavoured to smooth his pay to heaven with it. He prepared behests so that the very churches that he had just ordered to be burnt in Mantes should be rebuilt. More money was to be given to other churches, monasteries and convents so that they would remember him as a benefactor and pray for his soul. He gave instructions that alms should be given to the poor both in Normandy and England.

I have done evil and pray that God may, in his mercy, pardon me. Though I have done these things that now weigh upon my conscience I was, after all, bred in the art of war. I had to fight from an early age against rebels and traitors. Many times I have been forced to fight but I have always been victorious. William halted to contemplate for a brief moment before continuing.

Perhaps I should not beg for God's mercy when I have so seldom shown it to my fellow man. My memory recalls only too well the havoc I have wrought, the innocent men I have hurt and the lands I have despoiled. These are things that in my last hours I would fain forget.

Almost as if recognising their presence for the first time, William turned to his two sons and spoke of his wishes for his lands, Normandy and England.

The Duchy of Normandy must pass to Robert though the very act of relinquishing it to him pains me. Unfortunately Normandy was promised to him long ago and I cannot go back on it at this late hour. It has been the source of much conflict between us and I've no doubt he regards it as his right. The Normans are proud, a strong vital race and need a strong leader, alas Robert is not such a man. I fear he will ruin this land but it must be so.

Rufus and Henry, who had been listening intently made a move to speak but William seeing this raised a hand to forestall them.

Do not question me on this matter, it is settled and I cannot take it back. Now the crown of England is another matter, I won it by right of arms and I do homage to no man for it. I know I have done much wrong in that land and I therefore commend it to God's care and not to man's. However, the country needs a king and Rufus, you have been a faithful son and have done your duty by me. I therefore bid you to go to England and take the crown from my faithful servant Lanfranc. Let him anoint you as my chosen successor.

Rufus, his speckled eyes sparkling, clasped his father's hands and smiled gratefully. His long loyalty to his father had earned him the greatest prize; the crown of England.

Henry, his younger brother, wore only a look of sullen disgust upon his face. My lord, he said sharply making his disappointment plain am I to be left nothing? I deserve such little consideration?

William struggled to raise himself higher on his bed. You shall have five thousand pounds of silver. I cannot give you land for there is none left to give.

Money! What use is that if I am to be left landless? Why do you reward Robert who has been so faithless towards you and yet give me a mere pittance for my pains?

Henry, you must have patience and faith, for I believe that in the end all shall come to you and you shall be the greatest of my sons.

Rufus and Henry exchanged a look of disbelief. Both took their father's words as being an attempt on his part to soothe the feelings of his youngest son. Henry did, after all, have grounds for his complaint for as he had said he had always been faithful to his father while Robert had rarely been on speaking terms with William since reaching manhood.

The king ordered scribes to write down his wishes concerning the crown of England and when they had finished he gave the document to Rufus.

You must bear this letter to Archbishop Lanfranc, leave now with my blessing and lay claim to your kingdom.

Rufus, who held his father in high regard, took the letter hesitantly. Perhaps I should wait a while until......., his words trailed off.

Until I die William finished his sentence for him, no, you must go now, it would be best if you are in England when the end comes.

Rufus nodded and after making his farewells left St. Gervase to begin his journey. Henry meanwhile also left his dying father in order to secure possession of his five thousand pounds of silver.

William was left alone with the priests and a few faithful barons. One of these was his half brother, Robert of Mortain. He reminded William that there were still many captives held at William's command and he ventured to suggest that they should be released. On consideration, William agreed that old enemies such as Roger of Hereford, Wolfnoth the son of Harold Goldwin and Earl Morcar, should be freed after his death.

May Bishop Odo, our mother's son also be released? asked Robert Mortain anxious that his brother should also be freed.

William's reaction was swift and decisive, That would - be pope and oppressor of my people, never. He forfeited any love I had for him when he stole from me to promote his own ambition.

I beg you my Lord, rethink, he is of our blood, it will weigh heavily upon you if you die with your own flesh and blood imprisoned at your command. I vouch that he will not offend in the future as he has done in the past.

This reminder that death was near persuaded William as no other words could have done. Very well, so be it, though it is against by better judgement. At least he will do me no further harm.

* * *

At the hour of Prime on September 9th 1087, William was woken by the bells of Rouen.

With his last breath he offered himself to God. To the Lady Mary, Holy Mother of God, I commend my soul so that she may reconcile me with her son, the Lord Jesus Christ, and so died William, King of England and Duke of Normandy. It was nearly twenty years since his most memorable victory over Harold Godwin of Hastings.

* * *

Rufus was at the coast waiting for a boat to England when he heard of his father's death. The news made him impatient for he knew that it was time to claim his crown and his kingdom.

Chapter 1

Lanfranc

Lanfranc sat back and re-read the letter that Rufus had presented to him a short time earlier. There was no mistaking the late king's intention in writing the letter. He, Lanfranc, Archbishop of Canterbury, was to crown Rufus King of England without delay or argument.

Putting the letter to one side Lanfranc placed the palms of his hands together and closed his eyes. To anyone entering the room it would look as if the Archbishop were deep in prayer but in fact this was not the case, matters of state entirely consumed his thoughts.

The situation that had arisen was not entirely unexpected. The Archbishop had been privy to the late King William's plans and in fact as first minister had helped to form them. This did not however make the situation any easier to cope with. Lanfranc was worried for he knew that there would be some men, both in England and Normandy, who would try and make capital out of the unsettled situation. Lanfranc hated uncertainty.

His thoughts turned to the young man who was presently resting and waiting for him in another chamber. Rufus had arrived at Canterbury from Winchester where he had journeyed from his landing from Normandy. There he had secured his father's great treasure before moving on to seek out the Archbishop.

Lanfranc had to admit that this had been a very sound move on Rufus's part for he knew as well as anyone that often whoever held the country's wealth held the kingdom. He did wonder though whether Rufus had made this move from avarice or through shrewd political thinking. His fear was that it was more likely to be the former than the latter.

The venerable Archbishop knew Rufus well as he had been his tutor in childhood. He had often wondered whether the wayward short tempered youth would ever succeed to the throne. After Richard, William's second son, had died in the New Forest, Rufus had become the king's favourite son. William had often stated that he wished Rufus to succeed him as King of England rather than his eldest son Robert.

Lanfranc knew Robert well. He had no doubts that of the two brothers Rufus would make the better king. Intuition also told him that if any trouble concerning Rufus's accession occurred it would involve Robert. It might not come at his instigation but he would play some part in the intrigue.

The Archbishop opened his eyes and looked blearily around. The time had come to have a serious discussion with Rufus. If the red faced young man could be persuaded to act moderately and accept sound advice then there was every chance that he would prove to be an acceptable king. If? That was the problem that Lanfranc faced for he knew from experience that Rufus was wilful and possessed a violent temper.

When Lanfranc entered the temporary chamber Rufus and his few travelling companions rose. The young man was rather hesitant for he was still uncertain of his reception though he would have been loathe to admit it to himself, a little in awe of the great Archbishop.

May we speak alone my Lord? asked Lanfranc in such a tone as to make it perfectly clear that he expected the other occupants of the room to leave.

Rufus gestured nervously to his companions who bowed and left silently. For a moment neither man spoke, each waited for the other to make a comment.

What is your response to my father's letter Archbishop? asked Rufus unable to restrain himself any longer and so plucking up his courage to make the first move.

Lanfranc hitched his heavy robes closer to him for, despite the fact that it was summer his old bones felt the cold. A thin smile came to his lips. I agree with your late father that you should indeed be crowned as King of England without delay.

A look of immense relief flew across the face of Rufus who, up until that moment, had feared that the elderly Archbishop might, for his own reasons, try to thwart his father's wishes.

In fact Lanfranc continued I propose that we journey to London as soon as is convenient so that you can be crowned in the Abbey and so become the lawful King of England.

Rufus nodded in appreciation of the suggestion. That seems to be sound advice for I do fear that there may be some, both here and abroad who do not wish me to be king but would seek the crown for another.

The Archbishop understood the thinly veiled allusion to Duke Robert only too well and decided that it would be better if they spoke plainly of the situation before them.

"My Lord, we may as well be realistic in our planning and approach to the delicate situation that we face. We both know your brother Robert well enough to know that he will feel cheated of the English throne. If this is so then he may well try to claim it, either through his own volition or the persuasion of others.

He has no legal claim of course, there is no established tradition of primogeniture and it was entirely up to your father to dispose of his lands as he wished. However Robert is the eldest son and as the acknowledged Duke of Normandy he may feel he has the strength to back up his claim. Your father mounted a successful invasion from the Duchy and I am sure that Robert would not hesitate to try and emulate that feat.

Besides the legality of the claim there is also one very important point to remember. There are many Lords and Knights in England who have sworn fealty to him for lands that they hold in Normandy. These men will feel torn in their support and no one can say with whom they will align if they were forced to make a choice."

Rufus looked into the eyes of the venerable old clergyman. He could see that the Archbishop believed he had given an honest assessment of the situation as he saw it.

He looked away and was silent for a moment, his mind was a turmoil of hopes and fears.

"I am in a weak position and shall remain so until I am crowned. Once that is done though, my brother will not be able to dislodge me. I know my dear brother, he is indecisive, he will not act straight away. He will wait until it is too late.

That he will move against me, I have little doubt, for as you say he probably feels cheated just as poor Henry felt cheated when he learnt he was to have no land at all. Just like Henry, he is going to have to accept the situation and be grateful for what he has for he shall never have England."

Let us hope so, replied Lanfranc, not at all sure that Rufus was right, let us hope so.

Rufus's ruddy face turned a brighter shade of red and he glared at the old man facing him. "I....I...It will be