The Reign of William Rufus and the Accession of Henry the First, Volume 1 (of 2)

Note note 3 — THE REIGN OF WILLIAM RUFUS.

Reading edition

[1287] This is one of Orderic’s best stories (706 C, D). A false tale of its lord’s death is brought to Saint Cenery. His allies, Pagan of Montdoubleau (see above, p. 209) and Rotrou of Montfort, at once forsake the castle which they had been defending. Robert’s wife Radegund cannot get them to wait till more certain news can be had. Robert of Bellême comes just in time for dinner. “Ingressi castrum, lebetes super ignes ferventes invenerunt carnibus plenas, et mensas mappulis coopertas et escas cum pane super appositas.” He spoils and burns the castle. Robert son of Geroy is left homeless; his wife (“proba femina et honesta”) dies; his little son William, whom Robert of Bellême somehow has as a hostage, is poisoned; he then defends his new castle of Montacute against Robert of Bellême. Robert of Bellême brings Duke Robert to besiege him. Peace is made by the mediation of Geoffrey of Mayenne; Montacute is destroyed, and Saint Cenery is restored to Robert son of Geroy.

Return to THE REIGN OF WILLIAM RUFUS.Return to CHAPTER IV. (continued 3)Return to CHAPTER IV. (continued 7)Return to CHAPTER IV. (continued 7)Return to CHAPTER IV. (continued 7)Return to CHAPTER IV. (continued 7)Return to CHAPTER IV. (continued 7)Return to CHAPTER IV. (continued 7)