Podcast Episodes | The British History Podcast · Jamie Jeffers

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Anselm stuns Rufus by demanding the king submit to the Pope and restore all Canterbury's lost lands.

This episode of The British History Podcast, hosted by Jamie, examines the political and personal machinations of King William II (Rufus) following a severe illness in 1093. The narrative centers on Rufus's broken promises and his protracted, bizarre struggle to force the reluctant monk Anselm into becoming Archbishop of Canterbury. After recovering from a near-fatal mystery illness, King Rufus immediately reneged on all the penitential vows he had made to God, stunning churchmen like Edmer. Anselm, however, had not been formally invested as Archbishop during the king's bedside ritual and insisted the appointment was invalid. Historians sometimes suggest Rufus persisted in appointing Anselm out of familial respect, but host Jamie argues his motivation was likely spite. Anselm continually refused the position, listing new demands each time Rufus met his previous conditions, such as having the Bishop of Rochester attend to his every need. The monk claimed he needed release from his vows to Duke Robert of Normandy and Bec Abbey, and later demanded control over appointing his successor at Bec. Privately, in letters to his brother, Anselm wrote that his election was an act of God and he must accept it, contradicting his public refusals. Concurrently, Rufus faced a diplomatic crisis with King Malcolm III of Scotland, who refused an invitation to court because of the king's untrustworthy reputation. Rufus sent Edgar the Atheling to persuade Malcolm, who eventually traveled to Gloucester under escort by friendly English nobles. Upon arrival, Rufus insultingly refused to meet Malcolm, declaring the Scottish king unworthy to hear his royal voice. After six months of negotiation, Anselm presented final demands, including the restoration of Canterbury's lands, a role as chief royal counselor, and Rufus's recognition of Pope Urban II. Rufus agreed to the lands and advisory role but punted on the papal issue. A last-minute dispute over land transfers caused Rufus to explode in a furious tirade in court, which reportedly delighted Anselm. Following further secret promises, Anselm finally agreed to become Archbishop in September 1093. Meanwhile, Malcolm, enraged by his treatment, retrieved his daughter Edith from Wilton Abbey, where she had disguised herself as a nun to avoid Rufus's alleged advances. The episode concludes with Malcolm assembling a full army, including his heir and Edgar the Atheling, to march against England. The host's analysis suggests Anselm was not a reluctant saint but a shrewd negotiator who expertly manipulated a spiteful king. Jamie employs a conversational and analytical tone, frequently critiquing historical sources like Edmer and historian Frank Barlow while reconstructing character motivations. Listeners who enjoy deep dives into medieval power dynamics, character studies of flawed rulers, and narratives of political manipulation will find this episode compelling. Those seeking a straightforward, event-driven military history or a sympathetic portrayal of religious figures might find the detailed psychological analysis less engaging.

As heard by us

A king recovers, renounces his promises, and still has Anselm pressing the case.

Rufus comes out of his mystery illness with little interest in repentance, and that is where the episode lands hardest. The promises made to God begin to slip the moment he recovers, and the churchmen are left trying to manage a king who wants to back away from his penitential…

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Why you'd press play

You want a king, a churchman, and a deal that keeps collapsing.

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