Harold bayeux tapestry

His mother also bore, probably to Robert, Adeliza, wife of Enguerrand of Ponthieu ib. After Robert's death she married Herlwin of Conteville, by whom she had Odo [q. When Robert was setting out on his pilgrimage he caused his lords to elect William as his successor, and to swear fealty to him.

Dinantes

Accordingly on the news of his death, in , William became duke, having as guardians Alan, count of Brittany, Osbern the seneschal, and Gilbert of Eu, and being under the charge of one Turold. Disturbances broke out immediately. Many of his lords were disloyal, for they despised him for his birth, they built themselves fortresses and committed acts of violence.

Alan was poisoned, and Gilbert and Turold were murdered.

La mort de roland

An attempt was made to seize William's person at Vaudreuil; Osbern, who slept in his room, was slain, but William was carried off by his mother's brother Walter, who concealed him in the dwellings of some poor people. As William grew older he proved himself brave and wise. By the advice of his lords he appointed as his guardian Ralph de Wacy, who had slain Gilbert of Eu, and gave him command of his forces.

While the number of those who were loyal to him increased, many were secretly disloyal and intrigued against him with Henry I, the French king. The castellan, William Crispin, only yielded the place at William's express command. The French burnt it and made a raid in the Hiemois. The governor of the country revolted and garrisoned Falaise against the duke, but the castle was taken and he was banished.

William and his counsellors advocated the adoption of the truce of God which was accepted by the Normans at the council of Caen in An attempt was made to seize the duke at Valognes; he narrowly escaped, rode alone through the night to Rye, and thence reached Falaise. He went to Poissy to meet King Henry and obtained his help.