Henry I and the restoration of the Anglo-Norman Kingdom, 1100–06: the…

The idea

Henry I became king of England in 1100 after William Rufus died, but he did not control Normandy, which was ruled by his brother Robert Curthose. Henry first moved against Robert of Bellême, a powerful and feared Norman lord whose castles and alliances threatened Henry's authority. He then argued that Normandy was suffering from misrule under Robert Curthose, using this as a justification for intervention. In 1106, Henry invaded Normandy, defeated Robert at the Battle of Tinchebrai and captured him. This restored the Anglo-Norman Kingdom, uniting England and Normandy under one ruler. The victory strengthened royal authority, but it also created new tensions, especially with Henry's nephew William Clito and the French king.

What earns the marks

• Explains how Henry I dealt with Robert of Bellême, including the military and political pressure that reduced Bellême's power and secured Henry's position in Normandy.
• Analyses the claim of misrule in Normandy under Robert Curthose and how Henry used it to justify intervention.
• Describes Henry's campaign in Normandy and the victory at Tinchebrai in 1106, including the capture of Robert Curthose and the defeat of his allies.
• Assesses the significance of the restoration of the Anglo-Norman Kingdom, including stronger royal control, the reuniting of England and Normandy, and the new problems it created.
• Links the events of 1100 to 1106 to the wider theme of Anglo-Norman kingship and the long-term consequences for Henry I's reign.

Common mistakes and how to put them right

• Treating the defeat of Robert of Bellême as a single battle rather than a political and military process.

  Put it right: It involved sieges, confiscations and shifting alliances over time.

• Assuming that Tinchebrai ended all opposition to Henry.

  Put it right: It restored the Anglo-Norman Kingdom but did not remove later threats from William Clito or the French crown.

• Confusing Robert Curthose with Robert of Bellême.

  Put it right: Robert Curthose was duke of Normandy and Henry's brother, while Robert of Bellême was a powerful Norman lord and a separate opponent.

Exam tips

• Make the distinction between Robert Curthose and Robert of Bellême clear from the first time you mention either name.
• Use the phrase 'restoration of the Anglo-Norman Kingdom' to frame your answer around unity of rule, not just a military victory.
• When assessing significance, consider both the benefits for Henry I and the new problems that followed Tinchebrai.