Question 1
Using these four sources in their historical context, assess how far they support the view that the
reign of Henry I was welcomed in England.
Source A: A monk at Canterbury, a close friend and admirer of Archbishop Anselm, describes the situation in 1100.
A hope was springing up in everyone’s mind and each one promised himself that he was now to be freed from the disastrous oppression which was still smouldering, and was to enter upon that state of prosperity which he so much desired. This hope arose principally from the promises that Henry, who had then lately succeeded to the throne of his dead brother, had made on the very day of his consecration. He had then promised that he would maintain good and strict laws for the people, and would denounce and utterly put an end to all the oppressions and injustices which had arisen under his brother’s rule.
Eadmer (c.1060–c.1126), History of Recent Events in England
Source B: A monk outlines events in 1100.
Henry was elected king, though some trifling disagreements arose with the nobles, which were settled by the exertions of Henry, earl of Warwick. Henry I immediately proclaimed an edict, annulling the various illegal ordinances of his brother and of Ranulf. He remitted taxes and released prisoners. He renewed the ancient laws and confirmed them with his own oath and the oath of the nobles so that they too were bound to obey. A joyful day then seemed to dawn on the people, when the light of fair promise shone forth after such repeated distress.
William of Malmesbury, Chronicle of the Kings of England, written before 1143
Source C: A monk at Durham considers the support given to Robert Curthose, Duke of Normandy, in 1101. Simeon of Durham, translated by J Stevenson, 'Chronicle, A History of the Kings of England' pp 168-9, Llanerch Press, 1987, © J Stevenson 1987. Item removed due to third party copyright restrictions.
Simeon of Durham, A History of the Kings of England, written before 1129
Source D: A chronicle gives an account of events in 1102.
Dissension arose between the king [Henry I] and earl Robert of Belleme, who held the earldom of Shrewsbury, that his father, earl Roger, had held before, and much territory both on this side [of the Channel] and beyond the sea. The king went and besieged his castle at Arundel, but when he could not easily win it, he allowed men to build forts in front of it, and filled them with his men. Afterwards, with all his army, he went to Bridgnorth and stayed there until he had captured the castle. He deprived earl Robert of all his lands. The earl accordingly went overseas.
The Anglo-Saxon Chronicle, 1102
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Answer
