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Norman Barons' Rebellion

Type Event Region Normandy Time 1047

In 1047, some great nobles of Normandy, dissatisfied with young Duke William's authority and fief allocations, rose in arms to challenge ducal rule, …

Timeline

  1. 1046–1047Normandy · NormandyAfter William ascended as a child in 1035, some Norman magnates used changes of regency and redistribution of fiefs to expand their power. Around 1047, nobles led by Guy considered the young duke unable to control them and plotted to overthrow or sideline William by force.
  2. 1047eastern Normandy · NormandyGuy joined with Ralph de Wacy, Nigel de la Ferté, and other Norman nobles in open revolt, seizing castles and fiefs and cutting off William's effective control of the eastern region. William was forced to withdraw to Falaise and request military aid from his overlord, King Henry I of France.
  3. 1047Val-ès-Dunes · CalvadosThe allied forces of William and King Henry of France defeated the rebel main force at Val-ès-Dunes. Guy and other leaders fled abroad, and the rebellion quickly collapsed. William then punished disloyal vassals and redistributed fiefs, ending the greatest internal challenge of his early reign.

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