9 min listen
Episode 5 - William the Conqueror
FromNorman Centuries | A Norman History Podcast by Lars Brownworth
ratings:
Length:
21 minutes
Released:
Mar 26, 2010
Format:
Podcast episode
Description
The young Duke William seemed destined not to survive his childhood. Orphaned before he was ten, he became a plaything of powerful nobles as one by one his guardians were killed off. Normandy descended into chaos as central authority disappeared and ambitious knights began to carve out their own independent kingdoms. The king of France, looking to exploit the situation, invaded the Duchy seizing castles and encouraging a general revolt. But against all these odds, William somehow triumphed, defying both king and nobility and stamping his authority over his Duchy as few others would. Join Lars Brownworth as he looks at the early career of Normandy's most famous Duke.
Released:
Mar 26, 2010
Format:
Podcast episode
Titles in the series (20)
Episode 2 - Richard the Fearless: With the death of Rollo and his son, Normandy seemed poised on the brink of disaster. Its nobles were in open revolt and the King of France had seized the capital of Rouen. The legitimate heir, Richard I, was only nine years old- and a captive of the crown- yet against all expectations he grew into one of early Normandy's most formidable Dukes. Along the way he acquired the nickname of Richard the Fearless, and is remembered chiefly as the man who put Normandy on the map. Join Lars Brownworth as he looks at the dramatic career of the first Norman Duke. by Norman Centuries | A Norman History Podcast by Lars Brownworth