Battle of Cassel (1071) facts for kids
The Battle of Cassel was a big fight that happened on February 22, 1071. It was fought between two family members: Robert the Frisian and his nephew, Arnulf III. Arnulf was the son of Baldwin VI, Count of Flanders. Robert the Frisian won the battle, and sadly, Arnulf III was killed. This battle changed who ruled Flanders.
What Caused the Battle?
After his father Baldwin died in 1070, Arnulf became the new ruler of Flanders. Because Arnulf was still young, his mother, Richilde, helped him rule as his regent. A regent is someone who governs for a king or queen when they are too young or unable to rule themselves.
However, Robert the Frisian, who was Arnulf's uncle and Baldwin's brother, believed he should be the ruler of Flanders. He started to gather people who supported him, especially in the northern parts of Flanders.
Who Fought?
Arnulf III had a strong army with many important people helping him. These included Count Eustace II, Count of Boulogne and his son, Eustace III. Even Godfrey of Bouillon, who would later become a famous king of Jerusalem, was on Arnulf's side.
King Philip I of France also supported Arnulf. He even made Arnulf a knight. Arnulf's other uncle, William the Conqueror (who was King of England), sent ten Norman knights to help. These knights were led by a brave warrior named William FitzOsbern, 1st Earl of Hereford.
Robert the Frisian also had his own supporters. He gathered his forces and planned his attack carefully.
The Battle and Its Outcome
Robert's army attacked Arnulf's larger army very quickly, before Arnulf's soldiers could get fully organized. During the intense fighting, Arnulf himself was killed. William FitzOsbern, the leader of the Norman knights, also died in the battle.
During the chaos, Arnulf's mother, Richilde, was captured by Robert's forces. But Robert himself was also captured by Arnulf's soldiers! They decided to trade prisoners: Richilde was exchanged for Robert's freedom.
After the battle, Robert the Frisian became the new Count of Flanders. He ruled a smaller area of Flanders until 1093. To make friends with King Philip I of France, Robert offered his stepdaughter, Bertha of Holland, to marry the King. This helped create a strong alliance between them.
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