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William Rufus (English Monarchs)

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William Rufus (William the Red), second son of William the Conquer,took over England while his older brother's back was turned and ruled it for little over a decade before being killed in a strange hunting "accident" in the New Forest. That's about all the space he gets in history today, except the claims that he was a homosexual, an atheist, an all-round bad person and the less said the better. While this book takes pains to look at and question these charges,it is not the only subject that the author deals with in William's regin. Despite being a "wild and crazy guy" and running a court that looks like a frat house, William seems also to have been an able adminstor, a good diplomat and a strong enough miltary leader to keep his elder brother out of England and the Saxons quiet. I enjoied this book, one of the few on the subject and a serious study of it's subject. A good source on a rare subject.

I was impressed with the amount of detail on William Rufus by Frank Barlow. He pieced together a time in English history that seems to be looked over by most historians. Barlow makes a strong analytical approach to dispelling public perception of William Rufus. He makes sure you understand that the remaining documentaton on William Rufus is so fragmented. And that that does remain is from one point of view, the Church which obvouisly does not favor William Rufus. Barlow points out William II was a more capable ruler than most give him credit for and this angle is enough to make this book a must read for those interested in Norman History and the English crown.

This book covers the reign of the second Norman king of England. The son of William the Conqueror, William Rufus (A name that he probably never used in his lifetime) was the successor to his fathers kingdom but not his estates in Normandy. As king of England he continued his fathers policies with definite, but more limited success. A homosexual who never married, he fought with the church who thought him a corrupt and immoral man. This biography brings this little known king to life. Although somewhat dry this book maintained my interest throughout. Although not the most interesting figure in early English history, William was an important one and this biography will likely remain the best resource available on him.

Frank Barlow's book on William Rufus seems to have two audiences, both of which are justifiable as potential readership. First is the scholarly community. After all, this is a book about a king rarely if ever studied in depth and the book stands as a resource for future work on early Norman England. The second audience is the general public interested in the history of the English monarchy. I read it as part of the second audience. Since he is writing for historians also, I was not surprised by what seemed at times like excessive detail. For example, Barlow will cite a charter signed by William and then list all the signers, including individuals rarely if ever mentioned again in the book. Sometimes such a list can take almost a full paragraph. Also, at times, especially in the middle chapters about the administration of the king's court and in sections dealing with the financial issues of the king, the details are stultifying to the general reader. But I do not think this should be held against the book. After all, this is a record of William Rufus and the details of that record gathered together in one place are necessary for future historical work. It is a scholarly history book of the first rank.

But when Barlow writes for his second audience, the person who wants to learn about English history, the book soars. There are major sections that are as enthralling as anything that the BBC or HBO could produce. For example, the fascinating relationship between the crude, illiterate but savvy soldier-king, William, and the brilliant, logical and refined Anselm are unforgettable. Anselm, who is known to many philosophy students as the original mind behind the "ontological argument" for God and who wanted to spend his life as an intellectual living for God, was basically forced, physically, to take the largely administrative position of Archbishop of Canterbury when William thought he was dying. After William's return to health and "normal procedure" for him, the unbridgeable gap between these two men became glaringly obvious. Anselm had a four year ongoing feud with William before finally being exiled. Anselm is brought to life in these pages and given a dimensional reality that one will never get in studying his logical or theological writings. The give-and-take between them is priceless. But Anselm is not the only fascinating character in here. Ranulf Flambard, William's chief advisor, stands out as the Wolsey of his day - a ruthless "cleric" who understood power and how to manipulate it. William's brother Robert, who becomes Duke of Normandy after the Conqueror's death, first helps his brother, then fights his brother, then negotiates with his brother (a couple times), and finally takes off on the First Crusade. Their relationship and the politics behind it is a sibling puzzle that Barlow makes as comprehensible as possible to the reader. Another example of bringing William to life is Barlow's description of his court and the characters it, complete with long hair, shoes with curly points at the end, and a general atmosphere of "live it up." This horrified Anselm and many others of the monks writing later about William, but Barlow is superb in pointing out that this is completely distinct from William's real courage and, at times, strong leadership. Indeed, many of the writers about William very soon after his death by arrow while hunting (another great scene) emphasize his positive qualities. Later writers had a different agenda. As Barlow notes several times, the negative image of William lies as much in the source of the writings about him as in the man himself. William was, in fact, a complex man capable of great courage and inexplicable cruelty, incredible forthrightness and shrewd cunning. He was, in other words, a very good example of a medieval king who, had he lived, might be viewed quite differently by history.

Some may say that Barlow should have written two books, one for the scholars and one for the general public. But the very detail that at times makes one say "enough!" is necessary in other places to bring these great characters to life. For both the historian and the general reader, this is a first rate biography of one of the most colorful characters in early medieval history.

Frank Barlow, a prolific historian of medieval history, provides an excellent exploration into the life and times of William II King of England. William Rufus, as he is sometimes known, was the third son of William the Conqueror, the first Norman King of England. William Rufus inherits the Kingdom of England in lieu of his elder brother Robert (Curthose). Robert inherits the Duchy of Normandy and the stage is set for years of intrigue.

Barlow's biography of William is a scholarly account that may turn off many readers, but I doubt few would dive into the story of such an obscure king unless they had a great interest in the subject. Those who want to know the full story have come to the right place. Barlow is familiar with all the chroniclers of the time and remaining evidence that exists including writs, ecclesiastic letters, Domesday book, and architecture. Barlow with his familiarity with the various chroniclers examines the causes of their prejudices and is able to point out their inaccuracies and sometimes selective recollections of events.

Barlow begins by setting the story with William the Conqueror. He presents an exhaustive study of the children of William the Conqueror. He explains medieval customs and discusses how they might have been raised, the relationship with their father, their education, etc. Barlow continues by following briefly the life of William the Conqueror, pointing out where the children are referenced in primary sources during the events. If you have interest in William the Conqueror, I would highly recommend William the Conqueror: The Norman Impact Upon England (English Monarchs) by David Douglas. Robert Curthose is discussed to great length as well. Barlow explains why William Rufus is given the kingship of England over his brother. I knew much of this story before, but Barlow explores all angles and provides what the evidence is without prejudicing the reader.

Barlow explains William Rufus's activities to establish his position in England. He explores the rebellion of 1088 instigated by Robert and explores the continuing intrigue between the two brothers and their younger brother Henry, the future King Henry I of England. Loyalties switch and control over Normandy hangs in the balance. In summary, William consolidates Norman control of England and helps reestablish the Ducal rights in Normandy. When Robert Curthose, seeks to go on crusade to Jerusalem, William funds the expedition with Normandy the collateral for the loan. William strengthens Normandy while it is under his direction by reestablishing control over Maine and going on the offensive in the Vexin.

Barlow also looks at William and his earls' successes in Wales and Scotland. Scotland returns to being a vassal kingdom of England and Wales is occupied even though it is not fully subdued. Barlow spends a good bit of time discussing how William administered England. Barlow explains the arrangement of the king's household, discussing their pay and endowment of lands as well as their duties, hierarchy, and hereditary transfer of office. The corruption of the legal system is discussed and reminds me of the abuses attributed to King John's rule. He discusses how he handled his barons and bishops. He talks about the earls that he establishes and his selective appointments to the ecclesiastic offices. Barlow explains the story of Anselm's selection to Archbishop of Canterbury and the resulting conflict between him and William.

Barlow discusses what is known of William's character. He talks about the charges of the monastic chroniclers vilify him for. Barlow explains the background of the issues and shows that many of the complaints were common practices of the Norman kings like extended vacancies of the church offices, use of forest laws, and practice of hunting and dice or the result of influence of English customs like his style of dress and long hair. Homosexuality or possibly just bisexual tendencies seems to be the only charge that is unique to William which was condemned by the chroniclers.

Barlow talks about the William's death while hunting in the New Forest. He discusses the sources for the stories and compares them. He identifies the suspected killer and modern suggestions of assassination. Barlow's opinion is that it was indeed an accident, but presents the evidence all the same. He talks about the chroniclers claims of premonitions and signs telling of William's death and the monastic chroniclers acceptance of death as the act of God to save the church. Barlow gives a short, but pointed analysis of the significance of William's reign that is balanced with good perspective. All in all an excellent read for those with interest in the subject.