Fidelity, Zenith and Decline

: A History of the Honour and Counts of Mortain, c. 1050 - 1106.

Abstract

This thesis examines the rise and rapid decline of Robert of Mortain and his son, William from c.1050–1106. Remarkably, despite royal connections and possessing great power both sides of the Channel, the counts of Mortain have attracted little attention from scholars for the past 30 years. An explanation presented is the infrequence Robert appears in the primary narrative sources and
surviving royal documents. However, new analysis of this evidence and recent scholarship presents new interpretations that challenge several long-accepted beliefs about the lives and careers of counts Robert and William.

Chapter 1 details Robert’s rise was the consequence of his relationship with his brother, Duke William II. Evaluation of the Ship List and its significance demonstrate his dedicated service to William and commitment to the invasion of England. Furthermore, analysis is presented of Robert’s activity and appearance in the Bayeux Tapestry indicate he may have held a reputation as a prominent Norman castle builder. Chapter 2 examines Robert of Mortain as one of England’s most
significant landholders and how power was expressed differently in his two most valuable fiefs in Cornwall and Pevensey. Engaging recent scholarship on the Norman Conquest, this chapter reveals that Cornwall did not fall into the established criteria of military lordship and presents new explanations why the case for Cornwall was exceptional. Finally, Chapter 3 charts Robert of Mortain’s involvement in the failed rebellion of 1088 against Rufus. His negotiation to free his brother, Odo of Bayeux had the most significant impact on the rebellion and analysis of surviving acta from the reign of William I suggest Robert may have supported Curthose’s claim to England because of a close uncle-nephew relationship. Finally, this chapter investigates the rivalry that existed between William of Mortain and Henry I when examining the honour of Mortain’s decline.

Date of Award	21 Jun 2022
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	University of Bristol
Supervisor	Benjamin Pohl (Supervisor) & Brendan G C Smith (Supervisor)