Question 1
Using these four sources in their historical context, assess how far they support the view that
William II failed in his attempts to defeat the Scots and the Welsh.
Source A: A monk outlines events in 1091.
Malcolm, King of Scotland, revolted against the King of England and refused to render him the homage that he owed him. But William, having been reconciled with his brother, Robert of Normandy, brought Robert over to England on his return. Assembling the whole military force of England, William led them as far as the Firth of Forth; but finding it impossible to cross, he encamped on the shore. The King of Scots held the other bank with his troops ready for battle, and sent envoys to the King of England. The King of Scots had several conferences with William and made peace with him. The two kings disbanded their armies and departed for England together.
Orderic Vitalis, The Ecclesiastical History of England and Normandy, written before 1141
Source B: A monk at Durham gives an account of relations between Malcolm of Scotland and William II.
In 1091, he (Malcolm) went with his numberless forces to Chester-le-Street where an inconsiderable military force assembled against him and caused him speedily to retire from fear. In 1093 he invaded Northumbria with as large an army as he could collect, but he was cut off near the river Alne, with his son Edward. His army either fell by the sword, or those who escaped the sword were carried away by the inundation of the river. Two local people put the body of the King on a cart, as none of his men were left to commit it to the ground, and buried it at Tynemouth.
Simeon of Durham, A History of the Kings of England, written before 1129
Source C: A chronicle explains William II’s problems with the Welsh in 1094.
The people of North Wales and then those of West and South Wales, threw off the yoke of subjection under which they had long suffered and struggled to regain their independence. They destroyed the castles which had been built in West Wales and invaded the borders, plundering the towns and killing many of the people. They demolished the castle in the Isle of Man and took control of the island. William returned to England and led an army into Wales, but he lost there many men and horses.
Florence of Worcester, Chronicle, written before 1118
Source D: A chronicle gives an account of events in 1097.
William went with a great army into Wales and quickly progressed with the help of some Welsh guides who had joined him. He remained there from Midsummer to August and suffered many losses in men and horses. The Welshmen chose elders from among themselves after they revolted against the King. The King saw he could do nothing in furtherance of his will and returned to England. He let his men build castles along the borders.
The Anglo-Saxon Chronicle, 1097
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Answer
