Publisher's Synopsis
This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1920 edition. Excerpt: ...and barons forced the crown upon Henry, who desired to await Robert's return. 7 Cf. A.-S. C., a. noo; Florence of Worcester, ii, pp. 46-47; William of Mai-mesbury, G. R., ii, p. 470; Henry of Huntingdon, pp. 232-233. 8 See the text in Stubbs, Select Charters, Qth ed. (Oxford, 1913), pp. 117-119. 9 A.-S. C.t a. noo; cf. Florence of Worcester, ii, p. 47; William of Malmesbury, G. R., ii, p. 470; Henry of Huntingdon, p. 233. 10 Simeon, H. R., p. 232; Annales de Wintonia, in Annales Afonastici, ii, p. 41; Ordericus, iv, pp. 195,196. Robert Curthose was probably already on his way home from southern Italy when William Rufus came to his tragic end in the New Forest. Late in August, or early in September,12 he arrived in Normandy with his newly won bride, the beautiful Sibyl of Conversano, and was joyfully welcomed by his subjects.18 Without encountering any opposition, he entered into full possession of his duchy,14 " except the castles which were occupied by King Henry's men, against which he had many onsets and contests." 15 There were many reasons for the cordial welcome which Normandy extended her duke upon his return from the Crusade. The old evils and abuses of his earlier reign had doubtless largely been forgotten, while the rule of William Rufus, who had " trampled Normandy under his feet " 16 by reason of his warlike undertakings and the extreme rigor of his justice,17 had prepared men's minds for a milder regime. Robert's long labors in the Holy War had brought him much prestige and made him a European figure. The charms of his fair Italian bride 18 struck the imagination of the people. Moreover, the death of the late king had been followed by a fresh outburst of private war in Normandy;19 and the return of the legitimate duke, ' as if...
