36
‘NENRY I.
2, Henry, who was surnamed Beauclere (‘* fine scholar ”) fram his
B scholarship and his generous devotion to literature, in-
eAuelere: herited much of his father’s ability and decision of char-
acter. He was fond of power, and not always very serupulous as to
the means by which he carried out his ends. Though his personal
habits were not altogether irreproachable, he lived @ purer life than
his brother William, It ınust always be mentioned to his praise that
he Jahored hard to promote the spread of knowledge among his suhb-
jects ; and that, while he was a stern ruler, the laws enacted for the
protection of the common people were faithfully administered.
3. Aware that his claim to the crown was liable to be disputed, and
‚. that many of the barons were friendly to Robert, Henry
Henry’s began his reign by issuing a *‘ Charter of Liberties.'
first acts. an 3 aa N
This was designed to secure the favor of his English sub-
jects, who were promised relief from all oppressive exactions such as
the Danegeld, together with the restoration of the laws of Edward the
Confessor. Carrying out the same policy, Henry married Matilda, ot
Maud, daughter of Malcolm, King of Scotland, and niece of Kadgar
the ‚Etheling. The marrisge united the royal lines of Normandy and
England, and tended to incrense Menry’s popularity with the Knglist
Leople.
4. Robert soon returned from the Crusade, and, encouraged by his
partisans among the Norman uobles in England, determined to strike
for the throne. He landed at Portsmouth, in July
Appearanc® 1101, Tlhrouzh the mediation of Anselm, who had re
of Robert. . " ; :
sumed his position as Primate of England, war between
the brothers was prevented, Robert accepting a yoarly payınent of
3,000 marks as the price of his withdrawal. It was alse agreed that if
either brother should die childless the survivor should reign over bot!
England and Normandy.
5. In 1105 Henry invaded Normandy, under varions pretexts
of which the principal was the misrule of his brother
Hrn defeated Robert at Tenchehrai, in September 1106,
Normandy was added to the English dominions, The
unfortunate Robert was taken prisoner, and consigned tı
n Lifo-long captivity in Carditf Castle, where he died in 1136,
6. The Norman Kinzs had claimed and exercised two rights known
as investiture and hom we. The former, which consisted in presenting
to a prelate on his induetion the. ring and crozier, was
Da the lezal method of giving title to the lands and revenues
Anseli. »f the see.“ Homage” was demanded of the bishops in
token of their submission to the King as supreme lord of
their landed vossessions. Anschn, in the interest of the independence
of the Church, © fised 4 do homaye to Henry and to consecraute
bishops invesiuc ** length, when the King consented tc
