Henry I: Clever, Cunning, and Cruel (Norman Kings Series)

Henry I was the cleverest of William the Conqueror’s sons—or at least, he always seemed to be a step ahead of his brothers. But intelligence and ambition came with a ruthless streak.

Matt Lewis joins me to explore Henry’s tangled relationship with William Rufus and Robert Curthose, his swift seizure of the English throne, and the rebellions, alliances, and brutal acts of justice that helped him hold on to power. By 1120, Henry seems to have defeated or outmaneuvered every rival. Then, on the journey home, disaster awaits.

This is Part One of our look at Henry I in the Norman Kings series.

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Host: Rebecca Larson

Guest: Matt Lewis