Council of Lillebonne facts for kids
The Council of Lillebonne was an important meeting held in Lillebonne, a town in Normandy, which is now part of France. This meeting took place in January 1066, just before William the Conqueror, who was then the Duke of Normandy, launched his famous invasion of England. At this council, William gathered his most important nobles and church leaders to get their approval for his plan to conquer England.
Historians like Wace, who wrote in the 1100s, and William of Poitiers, a chronicler of the Norman invasion, tell us about this council. William of Poitiers also mentioned that Duke William got the support of Pope Alexander II for his invasion, and even received a special banner from the Pope.
What Was the Council of Lillebonne?
The Council of Lillebonne is also known as the Norman Council or the Assembly of Lillebonne. It was called because Harold Godwinson, who had just become King of England, refused to give up his crown to William. William believed he had a right to the English throne.
Actually, there were two meetings held:
- A smaller, more private meeting with William's closest and most trusted advisors.
- A larger meeting with many more nobles and church leaders to discuss the big plan to invade England.
Who Attended the Council?
Many important people attended these meetings, especially William's relatives and loyal supporters. These were often the same people who would later become known as the Companions of William, meaning they fought alongside him in the invasion.
Some of the key figures included:
- Robert, Count of Mortain: He was William's half-brother.
- William FitzOsbern, 1st Earl of Hereford: A cousin of William and a very strong supporter of the invasion. He helped convince others that the plan was possible.
- Odo, Bishop of Bayeux: Another of William's half-brothers.
- Odo, Count of Champagne: William's brother-in-law.
- Richard, Count of Évreux: The father of William, Count of Évreux, who was also a proven companion.
- Hugh of Eu, Bishop of Lisieux: A church leader.
- Roger de Beaumont: An advisor to William, though he was too old to join the invasion himself.
- Raoul IV de Conches: A grandson of Roger of Tosny.
- Hugh de Grandmesnil: A loyal companion of William's.
- Roger de Montgomerie, 1st Earl of Shrewsbury: Another important noble.
- Walter Giffard, Lord of Longueville: A known companion.
- Hugh de Montfort, Lord of Montfort-sur-Risle: Also a known companion.
- William de Warenne, 1st Earl of Surrey: A powerful figure.
What Was Decided?
Even though some people might have had doubts, William FitzOsbern played a big part in convincing everyone. The council eventually approved the plans for the invasion.
William of Poitiers wrote about a debate that supposedly happened among the nobles. However, many historians believe that there wasn't a huge argument. By this time, Duke William had a lot of control over his nobles. Those who attended the council likely wanted to make sure they would get their share of the rewards and lands once England was conquered. So, they agreed to support William's bold plan.
