William I

In 1037, people came to the conclusion that Robert would not come back from his pilgrimage. Before then, people obeyed the laws because they didn't want Robert to come back and get them in trouble, not because they respected William. After 1037, years of anarchy came about. William's tutor and guardian were murdered during this time. So William went to live with Osbern Crépon, his major-domo. One night people came into the castle where he was staying and murdered Osbern in bed. What they did not know is that he shared a bed with William. So William awoke with the blood of Osbern on him. Soon after, he was carried by his maternal uncle, Walter Fulbert, to the homes of the socially lowest ranking people under William's rule. These people were the artisans and peasants. They had no idea that William was the Duke but they hid him anyway. These years gave William a life long appreciation for farmers. There is little information about this time in his life.