In 1096 Robert left to join the First [[Crusade]], pledging Normandy to William for finance for the Crusade, effectively giving William complete control of the duchy. He also made an unsuccessful foray into Wales.
He fell out with [[St. Anselm]], the widely respected theologian and Archbishop of [[Canterbury]], over the matter of ecclesiastical investitures and banished him. Anselm only returned after William’s William's death.
During his reign he was widely resented by the clergy for his rapacity and brutality. Whilst he was probably no worse than his father, he had not his predecessor’s predecessor's tact. He had a short temper and a rough manner. He never married and there are no records of children; almost unheard of for royalty in that age. There were rumours of homosexuality. He was a good commander, and successful in most of his campaigns; but had few inclinations of mercy. He was a ruthless pillager of all he could get his hands on. He disliked the English and had no respect for their culture or possessions.
William Rufus’ death is more notable than his life. He was killed by an arrow whilst hunting in the [[New Forest]]. It is not known if the shot was accidental, but certainly there is no evidence it was deliberate. His younger brother, Henry, who was nearby, took off to secure the treasury at [[Winchester]] and then to [[London]] to have himself crowned, as soon as he was told of the death. The offending archer, one Walter Tyrrel, took off to France; but appeared back in England some time later. Whether his return was allowed by Henry’s Henry's gratitude for a job well done, or his thankful acknowledgement of serendipity, cannot be known.
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