English History Timeline 1110-1119

Exchequer
The royal caravan still toured the country as it had in Saxon times collecting dues and dispensing justice but it was becoming increasingly necessary to establish a central judiciary and clearing house. Roger, Bishop of Salisbury, the king’s closest adviser, was created Justicar. He instituted a revenue counting system using a large chequered cloth. The royal treasurer and other officials argued policy and expenditure needs across this cloth and the department soon became known as the Exchequer.

Henry attempted to capture Robert Curthose‘s son, William Clito who was a rival to Henry’s position as Duke of Normandy. However Clito’s protectors learned of the scheme and moved him to Flanders.

Henry’s daughter Adelaide was betrothed to Henry V, Emperor of Germany.

King Henry I went to Normandy to put down a rebellion led by Robert of Shrewsbury.

The rebellion in Normandy ended when the leader, Robert of Shrewsbury, was captured by Henry I. Henry I also made peace with Anjou and Brittany by betrothing his son, William Adelin, to Count Fulk of Anjou’s daughter, and betrothing one of his illegitimate daughters to Conan of Brittany.

Treaty of Gisors
This treaty agreed a peace between King Henry I and King Louis VI of France. Under the terms of the treaty Henry I became overlord of The Maine and Brittany. He subsequently gave The Maine to Fulk of Anjou as part of his son’s marriage settlement.

Henry’s daughter, Adelaide, married Henry V, Holy Roman Emperor. Her name was changed to Matilda on her marriage.

Ralph d’Escures was appointed Archbishop of Canterbury.

A number of Norman lords in Wales were under attack from Gruffudd ap Cynan and Owain ap Cadwgan. Henry sent three armies to deal with the Welshmen who were forced to sue for peace. This left Henry in a much stronger position in Wales.

Henry was in Normandy trying to persuade the nobles to accept his son, William Adelin as Duke of Normandy. He had little success since most saw William Clito, Robert Curthose’s son as the natural heir.

War broke out in Normandy between France, Anjou, Flanders and Normandy. Henry was forced to remain on the defensive as the attackers raided his border towns and many Norman barons rose against him.

The war between Normandy and France continued throughout the year.

Count Baldwin led a rebellion against King Henry I in favour of William Clito.

King Henry’s wife, Matilda died at the palace of Westminster. She was buried in Westminster Abbey. Henry was unable to attend her funeral due to the war in Normandy

Siege of Arques
Count Baldwin was seriously injured after being struck on the head with a lance.

Without the leadership of Count Baldwin, the rebellion against Henry I fell apart.

Merton Priory was consecrated.

Count Fulk of Anjou agreed an alliance with Henry to be sealed with the marriage of Prince William (Adelin) to Count Fulk’s daughter.

Battle of Bremule
This battle between Henry, supported by his son, William and Louis VI of France supported by William Clito, saw Henry victorious. However, Louis and William Clito escaped capture.

An earthquake affected Gloucestershire and Warwickshire.

Although beaten in battle, Louis was not prepared to accept defeat over Normandy and appealed to Pope Callixtus to intervene.

William and his father met Pope Callixtus II who refused to take sides in the dispute insisting that Henry and Louis make peace.

William Adelin married Alice of Anjou. Her name was changed to Matilda on her marriage.

Thomas Becket, who would later become Archbishop of Canterbury, was born in Cheapside, London.