Pearson Edexcel · GCSE · History
Course version: 1HI0 · Version from Sept 2016
Key topic 3: Norman England, 1066–88 - 4 William I and the succession:…
Full specification wording
Option B1: Key topic 3: Norman England, 1066–88 - 4 William I and the succession: William’s death and the disputed succession. William Rufus and the defeat of Robert and Odo.
William I died in 1087, leaving a divided inheritance that sparked a succession crisis.
Checked against the Pearson Edexcel 1HI0 specification (opens in a new tab) on .
- Point 2 of 2
- 2 key terms
Study notes
From the checked teaching notes for this specification point.
The idea
William I died in 1087, leaving a divided inheritance that sparked a succession crisis. He bequeathed Normandy to his eldest son, Robert Curthose, and England to his second surviving son, William Rufus. This division forced Norman barons, who held lands in both realms, to choose loyalties, risking forfeiture. In 1088, Bishop Odo of Bayeux led a major rebellion against William Rufus, aiming to unite the territories under Robert. Rufus successfully defeated Odo and Robert's supporters by capturing rebel strongholds like Pevensey and Rochester, and by securing the support of the English fyrd with promises of lower taxes and better laws, thereby consolidating his rule as King of England.
What earns the marks
- Explain the division of lands upon William I's death in 1087: Normandy to Robert Curthose, England to William Rufus.
- Identify the dilemma for Norman barons holding land in both England and Normandy, which acted as a primary catalyst for the 1088 rebellion.
- Describe Odo of Bayeux's leadership role in the 1088 rebellion in support of Robert Curthose's claim to the English throne.
- Detail William Rufus's methods for defeating the rebellion, including besieging castles and rallying the English fyrd with promises of good government.
Common mistakes and how to put them right
Confusing William Rufus with Robert Curthose.
Put it right: Rufus became King of England, while Robert became Duke of Normandy.
Assuming the English population supported the Norman rebels.
Put it right: The English fyrd actually supported William Rufus against Odo of Bayeux.
Stating that William I left England to Robert.
Put it right: William I left Normandy to Robert and England to William Rufus.
Exam tips
- Use the 1088 rebellion to demonstrate the ongoing importance of castles in securing military control over England.
- Link the disputed succession to the concept of cross-Channel landholding and the conflicting loyalties of the Norman barons.
- When evaluating William Rufus's success, emphasise his strategic use of the English fyrd and his political promises.
Try the lesson
The start of the Option B1: Key topic 3: Norman England, 1066–88 - 4 William I and the succession: William’s death and the disputed succession. William Rufus and the defeat of Robert and Odo. lesson, made from checked teaching notes for this specification point.
Have a go first
Who did William the Conqueror designate to succeed him as King of England upon his death in 1087?
Listen
William I died in 1087, leaving a divided inheritance that sparked a succession crisis. He bequeathed Normandy to his eldest son, Robert Curthose, and England to his second surviving son, William Rufus. This division forced Norman barons, who held lands in both realms, to choose loyalties, risking forfeiture. In 1088, Bishop Odo of Bayeux led a major rebellion against William Rufus, aiming to unite the territories under Robert. Rufus successfully defeated Odo and Robert's supporters by capturing rebel strongholds like Pevensey and Rochester, and by securing the support of the English fyrd with promises of lower taxes and better laws, thereby consolidating his rule as King of England. A strong answer earns marks for these points. Explain the division of lands upon William I's death in 1087: Normandy to Robert Curthose, England to William Rufus. Identify the dilemma for Norman barons holding land in both England and Normandy, which acted as a primary catalyst for the 1088 rebellion. Describe Odo of Bayeux's leadership role in the 1088 rebellion in support of Robert Curthose's claim to the English throne. Detail William Rufus's methods for defeating the rebellion, including besieging castles and rallying the English fyrd with promises of good government. Exam tip: Use the 1088 rebellion to demonstrate the ongoing importance of castles in securing military control over England.
Key words
Say what each word means before you turn the card.
Succession crisis
Try answering aloud or in your head before turning the card.
Baronial rebellion
Try answering aloud or in your head before turning the card.
See every definition
- Succession crisis
- The disputed succession that followed William I's death in 1087, when his divided inheritance sparked conflict over who should rule.
- Baronial rebellion
- The major rebellion in 1088 led by Bishop Odo of Bayeux against William Rufus, aiming to unite the territories under Robert.
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