Chapter 160 - 155: Ennobled as Earl of Gloucester

Taking advantage of the Norman civil war, the King of France incited the Mann People to rebel. He then joined forces with the Count of Blois and the Duke of Brittany to launch a fierce assault on Normandy.

Just a week ago, Gaya Castle fell. This led to the rapid collapse of the entire Upper Normandy Region, and the vanguard of the French King’s army reached the very gates of Rouen.

The Count of Flanders, pinned down by Hunchback Godfrey, the Duke of Lorraine, was powerless to aid Normandy. The situation was critical.

The Upper Normandy Region comprised Normandy’s lands on the east bank of the Seine River. If it fell completely, the Seine would become a natural barrier protecting the King of France, making any attempt to reclaim the territory significantly more difficult.

Normandy would be forced onto the defensive, its former power to deter the King of France utterly gone.

Robert was desperate to return to Normandy. He was not alone in this, of course; every Norman Knight worried for their own estates back home.

To boost morale, Robert decided to announce the results of the land grants before heading back. This served not only to raise spirits but also to quickly cement his rule over England as a settled fact, binding all the Norman Knights who followed him to his cause.

There was, of course, an even more important reason. After he had defeated William, many nobles who had supported the former king, believing his cause was lost, began to switch their allegiance to Robert in hopes of keeping their lands. To increase their own bargaining power, these turncoats exposed several opportunists and traitors within Robert’s own ranks.

The first to be exposed was Robert’s other uncle, Robert, the Count of Mortain—the wealthiest noble in all of England.

Robert was certain Odo knew something. No wonder when Odo heard in London that his own brother had been attacked, he had seemed so utterly uninterested.

「The next day, in London City」

Robert sought to make this investiture ceremony rival the one held nine years prior. He encouraged everyone in Essex to come to London City—not only Normans, but Anglo-Saxons as well. He promised food, lodging, and a week’s exemption from labor service to all who came to London to celebrate their new Monarch.

Perhaps the generous promise had worked. Before the crack of dawn, farmers from the villages surrounding London City began pouring into the city in droves, their clamor quickly dispelling the quiet of the night.

A village Priest, drawing on his limited recollection of the Bible, earnestly cried out, "Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name. Your Kingdom come, come to this land of the setting sun! Your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven, and here in England..."

After nine years, the Anglo-Saxons once again embraced the city. Following their own traditions and customs, they came to pay homage to their Monarch. After nine years of turmoil, they had once again welcomed a universal Monarch who belonged to both peoples.

The city was awash with flowers and colorful garments of every description. Every color was present save for yellow, for that was the color worn by Jews, who were unwelcome at this Christian celebration.

Crosses were nailed to doors or hung from windows, some swaying and striking the heads of guards. Musical instruments were everywhere, and countless minstrels had composed special songs for the occasion.

Amid this cacophony were the cries and shrieks of children, who seemed to realize they were free to be as loud as they pleased today. Women shrieked blessings while men roared their loyalty, then cursed anyone who blocked their path.

All this was mixed with the groans of soldiers struggling to hold back the throng. Robert had ordered a contingent of about a hundred Knights to maintain order.

The streets were packed to the brim with a disorderly crowd. Yet the chaos, clamor, and noise were only temporary. As the first notes of a Hymn rang out, the bedlam swiftly subsided.

"Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to people of good will. Lord God, heavenly King, O God, almighty Father, we praise you, we bless you, we adore you, we glorify you, we give you thanks for your great glory...

Lord Jesus Christ, Only Begotten Son, Lord God, Lamb of God, Son of the Father, you take away the sins of the world, have mercy on us..."

The raucous crowd in the streets parted, trying to clear a path. But with so many people, they could at best open a narrow lane, wide enough for only three people to walk abreast.

Lanfranc, in the white vestments of an Archbishop and holding his pastoral staff, walked at the head of the procession. He was followed by Anselm, who carried a Golden Cross. Beside Anselm was the Vice Bishop of Rouen, who held a Golden Sword.

Behind them came Priests in Purple Robes, followed by the Bishops from the area around London City. Then came the High Priests, carrying Holy Relics and passing through swirling clouds of frankincense. Junior Priests cupped the flames of their candles with their hands, and the sunlight glinted off droplets of Holy Water and ornate golden thorns.

Following them were Edgar, Prince of England; the Earl of Hereford, who was being supported by attendants; Waltheof, the Earl of Northumbria; Eric; Sir Belem; and Velen, the Baron of Surrey. Each of them carried a sword of state.

Then came the others: the Royal Herald, the Chief Steward, and the master of ceremonies. There were throngs of noble ladies accompanied by their relatives and friends, important visitors from France, Germany, Italy, and Iberia, and even a number of influential merchants.

A small, yet not insignificant, gesture of respect could satisfy their vanity and make many things much easier to handle. This was a lesson Eric had taught Robert.

The end of the procession slowly entered the square, where priests and officials were gathered at the doors of the Cathedral.

The ceremony for granting lands was to be held in conjunction with the King’s coronation; the previous coronation had been too rushed.

Inside Westminster Cathedral, hundreds of candles were lit. The building was brightly illuminated, a wise precaution against England’s fickle weather. It would be embarrassing for the priests to be left fumbling in darkness should the sky suddenly cloud over.

As a result, the scents of burning lavender, frankincense, and personal perfumes mingled, creating a pungent atmosphere that made the onlookers blink.

Robert was already kneeling before the altar. On it were displayed wood slivers said to be from the True Cross upon which Christ was crucified, and a small vial purported to contain the blood of John the Baptist. A massive, illustrated Bible lay open before him, and he touched it with his fingertips as he recited the king’s oath.

The high clergy of England and Normandy were gathered before him, with Lanfranc standing at Robert’s side.

He swore to live his life in honor and peace, to fear God, and to respect the Church.

He swore to show mercy and justice to his people and to all who sought his aid.

He swore to seek out and abolish wicked laws and customs, and to uphold and strengthen all laws enacted for the well-being of the Normans, the Saxons, and all who resided within the Kingdom.

He spoke slowly, allowing time for the echoes to fade.

Afterward, Robert walked to his throne, where he was stripped of his outer garments. He now stood in knee-length linen trousers and a linen shirt, unlaced at the chest.

A Priest then gestured for him to sit and placed his feet into deerskin slippers. Once this was done, Lanfranc stepped forward and anointed him with Holy Oil, drawing a Cross on his bare shoulders, forearms, and his broad, fearless chest.

They then dressed him in a coif and a full-length tunic. He was bestowed with a Sword to strike down the enemies of Christ. Spurs were strapped to his ankles, a reminder of his knightly vows.

A magnificent Cloak, so stiff with embroidery it could stand on its own, was draped over his shoulders. He was given a moment to adjust his vestments and to grip the Sword and scepter. Then he was invited to stand before the altar once more, and Lanfranc took the Crown from an attendant who held it aloft.

Lanfranc then issued the customary charge to the Monarch. "In the name of Almighty God, are you willing to accept this Crown, to wear it for the protection of your subjects, and by it to uphold the vows you have made and remain loyal to the Church?"

"I accept! With God’s help, I shall serve my subjects! With God’s help! With God’s help!"

"With God’s help!"

Lanfranc placed the Crown upon Robert’s head.

The Cathedral erupted in thunderous applause and cheers.

After Robert presented a symbolic Coin to the altar, the coronation was complete.

An attendant removed the Crown, which was ceremonial and quite heavy.

Next came the ceremony for the granting of lands. The Herald began to recite the decrees of enfeoffment.

After William’s conquest of England, a total of ten earldoms were established. Some of these were held concurrently; the Count of Mortain was also the Earl of Cornwall, the Earl of Northumbria was also the Earl of Northampton, and Ralph, the Earl of Norfolk, also held the title of Earl of East Anglia.

In practice, there were only eight Earls in the whole of England.

Robert’s adjustments were as follows:

First, Odo De Conteville, Earl of Kent, is additionally created Earl of Essex. He is granted a further 60 manors in Essex, Dorset, Chester, Leicester, and other lands, for a total of 244 manors. His annual income from these lands is approximately 3,100 pounds.

Second, William FitzOsborne, Earl of Hereford, is granted 10 manors in Richmond, Dorset, Nottingham, Cornwall, and other lands, for a total of 130 manors. His annual income is approximately 1,900 pounds.

Third, Robert Belem de Montgomery, succeeding as the Earl of Shrewsbury, is granted 51 manors in Leicester, Chester, Essex, and other lands, for a total of 140 manors. His annual income is approximately 1,800 pounds.

Fourth, Eric De Outville, created Earl of Gloucester and granted lordship of the Channel Islands. He is granted 110 manors in Gloucester, Dorset, York, Mortain, Evler, Essex, and other lands, for a total of 110 manors. His annual income is approximately 1,500 pounds.

Fifth, Ralph de Gail, Earl of Norfolk and East Anglia, is granted 30 manors in Essex, Chester, Leicester, and other lands, for a total of 100 manors. His annual income is approximately 1,200 pounds.

Sixth, Edgar Wessex, created Earl of Somerset. He is granted the entire county of Somerset, comprising 86 manors, for a total of 86 manors. His annual income is approximately 900 pounds.

Seventh, Waltheof, Earl of Northumbria and Northampton, is granted 12 manors in Chester, Nottingham, and other lands, for a total of 70 manors. His annual income is 600 pounds.

Eighth, Robert de Conteville, Earl of Cornwall. He is stripped of the County of Mortain and 290 manors in Gloucester, Essex, Surrey, and other lands, leaving him with a total of 36 manors. His annual income is 400 pounds.

A total of eight Earls.

The Barons were mainly granted additional manors on top of inheriting their fathers’ titles.

As for the Nobility who had supported William in the war, Robert was not utterly ruthless. He allowed them to retain between one-tenth and one-third of their original domains. Following Eric’s advice, Robert made the proportion of land they could keep variable, subject to a five-year probationary period.

If they failed this probation after five years, all their remaining lands would be confiscated.

With the exception of his uncle, the former Count of Mortain and now Earl of Cornwall, whose title was preserved, all nobles who had supported William were stripped of their peerages, though they were allowed to retain their knightly status and a portion of their lands.