William I
From Rollo to William
Vikings raided England, Scotland, Ireland, Wales, and the Isle of Man; they also attacked the coast of Europe and penetrated deep inland. A Viking named Rollo (circa 846 to 932 AD, later baptised as Robert) became the first ruler of Normandy. He is said to have been a noble warrior of Scandinavian origin, who had raided Scotland, Ireland, England and Flanders. The King of West Francia, tiring of Viking incursions, granted land to Rollo, who then ruled over what became Normandy. The later Dukes were his descendants. Therefore, the ruling elite of Normandy were of Viking rather than European stock.
A descendant of Rollo became Duke Robert I of Normandy in 1027. Interestingly, he had two nicknames: Robert the Magnificent and Robert the Devil. This suggests there was a wide difference of opinion in regard to his character! Robert fell in love with Herleva, who is named as Arlette in some accounts. Most sources say her father was a tanner but at least one identifies him as a member of Duke Robert’s household. Added to the confusion is whether or not Robert was already married. Whatever the case, Robert was deeply in love with Herleva and they lived together for some time. Marriage was impossible, as someone in Robert’s position was expected to have a bride who brought land and wealth.
Birth of William
However, when Herleva bore him a son he acknowledged the child, who was named William. Before setting out on a pilgrimage to Jerusalem in 1034 Robert persuaded the Norman barons to recognise his son as his heir. On the return journey Robert died so at a very early age William became Duke of Normandy. He was lucky to survive his childhood, as three of the men appointed to protect him were murdered. But survive he did. Many of the qualities he gained were through the hard lessons he had learned during his early years. He grew into a man skilled in the art of war, which would hold him in good stead later on in life. William’s mother was eventually married a Norman baron, Herluin de Contville, by whom she had two sons, Robert and Odo. In 1051 Edward the Confessor is said to have named William as his successor. Additionally, at a later date, Harold is supposed to have agreed to William being the next King of England.