Question 1
Using these four sources in their historical context, assess how far they support the view that
William II relied mainly on military force in consolidating his power.
Source A: An English monk gives an account of William II’s actions in 1088.
When William II heard of the plot made by Odo and others, he called an assembly of the English. He outlined the treachery of the Normans and begged that they would help him. He promised that, if they would be faithful to him in his hour of need, he would grant them the best laws they could choose for themselves. But he only kept his promises for a very short time. Yet the English faithfully assisted him. The king, therefore, raised an army to go to Rochester, where he supposed Bishop Odo was. When they reached Tonbridge, the castle there held out against the king. The English bravely assaulted it and destroyed the whole castle, so the garrison surrendered.
Simeon of Durham, A History of the Kings of England, written before 1129.
Source B: A chronicle outlines events.
While King William was out of England, Malcolm, king of Scotland invaded England and overran a great deal of it. Then the good men who governed this land sent an army against him and repulsed him. When the king in Normandy heard about it, he came back to England, with his brother, the earl Robert. He soon issued an order to collect a force, both on land and by sea. The navy was wrecked before it reached Scotland, but the king and his brother proceeded with the land forces.
The Anglo-Saxon Chronicle, 1091.
Source C: An English-born monk, writing in an influential Norman monastery, explains how William II reacted to the rebellion in Northumbria in 1095.
In many cases the king punished the rebels by imposing fines on them of large amounts. Out of regard for their relations who might make trouble in Normandy, he prudently concealed his real thoughts. The earls and men of the highest rank were part of the treasonable conspiracy, but when it was detected, they became ashamed of it. The most powerful among them having been crushed, they were fearful that similar ruin might fall on them. The king discovered this and, consulting his Council, pardoned persons of higher rank. He was unwilling to put them on trial publicly, in case their discontent increased and they were provoked into a general rising against the government.
Orderic Vitalis, The Ecclesiastical History of England, written before 1141.
Source D: A monk and historian, whose patrons included the Lord Chancellor of England and bishop of Lincoln, gives an account of William II’s expedition to Wales.
After he had joyously worn his crown at Windsor at Whitsun in May 1097, William II marched into Wales with a large army and defeated numerous bands of Welshmen, but also lost many of his own men in the narrow ravines of those regions. So, seeing that they could not be conquered, more because of the nature of the terrain than from their valour and arms, he had castles built on the borders of Wales and returned to England.
Henry of Huntingdon, History of the English People, written before 1154.
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