Geoffrey’s Triumph in Normandy
While Stephen exulted over Matilda in England, her husband achieved complete triumph across the Channel.…
Negotiations with Theobald of Blois
Despairing of Stephen but unwilling to accept Geoffrey, the Norman barons at a Mortagne meeting during Lent once more entreated Theobald of Blois to take possession of both duchy…
Norman Barons Submit to Geoffrey
The proposed terms nonetheless served Geoffrey’s purpose. The twin earls of Meulan and Leicester, Stephen’s most active partisans, accepted them as final and made peace with Anjou…
Robert’s Visit to Geoffrey
While the Empress triumphed in England, word of her fall and Robert’s capture arrived, followed by his release in exchange for Stephen and finally, at Whitsuntide 1142, Robert’s o…
Campaign in Western Normandy
Geoffrey refused to go to England until Robert first helped him bring Normandy to order. Robert agreed, and together they undertook a campaign that occupied them until year’s end,…
Taking of Bastebourg
Starting from Robert’s native Caen, the brothers-in-law’s first success was probably the taking of Bastebourg above the ford of Varaville.
Conquest of Tinchebray and Mortain
The expedition moved south-westward through the diocese of Bayeux and up the left bank of the Orne through Villers, Aunay, Plessis, and Vire, winning the historic site of Tinchebr…
Submission of Pontorson
Geoffrey marched on to Pontorson, the south-western outpost of the Norman duchy near the Breton frontier.…
Submission of Cérences
Turning northward again into the Avranchin, Geoffrey reached Cérences, which likewise surrendered without a blow.
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