A Chronological History of Britain
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The story of William and the conquest has been a long road, and I’ve heard from some of you that this season has been challenging to listen to.
I get it. No matter how awful William is he never seems to face any real consequences…
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That’s right, just like big pharma, we’re giving out a free sample.
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If the last few episodes have seemed a little confusing, then you’re hearing them right.
Europe at the end of the 11th century was a rapidly changing world and it is all going to have a profound impact on the history of Britain. I want you to really have a good understanding of what is going on here, and to do that I have been forced to go back and forth between simultaneous stories.
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When we left off, things were looking pretty bad for William and William’s hope of a legacy. Maine was once again in rebellion against Normandy. But this time half of France seemed to be looking for an excuse to join them. Denmark was preparing an invasion of England … and even William’s brother-in-law, Count Robert of Flanders, was preparing to be part of that invasion fleet.
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Matilda was dead and now things were coming apart at the seams.
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Based on the e-mails I have been getting, some of you are having a hard time understanding why on god’s green earth did Odo think he could just trot down to Rome and become the new Pope.
The truth is he was less crazy than we might think, and I’m going to take a moment to explain the situation a little better. Partly because this becomes important to our story later on and partly because it’s hilariously messy. And I love mess.
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In this episode we delve into the tumultuous reign of King Gruffydd ap Cynan of Gwynedd and the political intricacies of William’s relationship with Matilda and his ambitious half-brother, Bishop Odo.
It is an intricate web of power struggles, betrayals, and shifting dynamics between church and state that will only grow more complex and dangerous.
Rough Transcript Below:
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Norman interventionism into their neighbors was only just beginning… and the events at Mynydd Carn gave them just the excuse they needed.
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Tensions rise as rebellion and violence sweep through Northumbria. As news of the uprising reaches the south, King William, though initially absent, takes action and sends his half-brother, Bishop Odo, to deal with it. Odo’s reputation for cruelty was well earned and the people of Durham suffer greatly at his hands.
In the midst of this turmoil, William receives demands from Pope Gregory, who seeks to assert his authority over the king. But William is William.
Rough Transcript Below:
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King Malcolm and the Scots have been raiding the northern reaches of England, leaving the Northumbrians to deal with the aftermath. Meanwhile, William is not speaking to his son Robert and is spreading rumors about him to anyone who will listen. Robert’s enemies are enjoying the show, but not everyone is amused. The powerful members of Norman society are worried about the escalating conflict, and Robert has had enough as well. He wants to put an end to the fighting, but William is determined to continue the war. Matilda has been working hard in Germany, and she returns to Rouen in the spring of 1080 with Count Simon by her side. They are joined by Archbishops Richard and Warmund, and everyone in attendance at the Easter celebration on an island just south of Rouen wants the conflict to end.
Rough Transcript Below: