At the time of the Conqueror’s death, his eldest son Robert, upon some discontent with his father, being absent in France,[5] William, the second son, made use of this juncture, and without attending his father’s funeral, hastened to England, where, pursuant to the will of the deceased prince,[6] the nobility, although more inclined to favour Robert, were prevailed with to admit him King, partly by his promises to abate the rigour of the late reign, and restore the laws and liberties which had been then abolished, but chiefly by the credit and solicitations of Lanfranc; for that prelate had formerly a share in his education, and always a great affection for his person.  At Winchester he took possession of his father’s treasure,[7] in obedience to whose command, as well as to ingratiate himself with the people, he distributed it among churches and religious houses, and applied it to the redeeming of prisoners, and other acts of popularity.

[Footnote 5:  He was then at Abbeville in Picardy. [D.S.]]

[Footnote 6:  William the Conqueror left Normandy to his son Robert; but said of England:  “So it pleased God, he should be glad that William, his obedient and best beloved son, should enjoy it after his death.” [D.  S.]]

[Footnote 7:  Which was sixty thousand pounds in silver, besides gold, jewels, and plate.—­BROMPTON. [D.S.]]

In the mean time Robert returned to Normandy, took possession of that duchy, with great applause and content of his people, and, spited at the indignity done him by his father, and the usurpation of his brother in consequence thereof, prepared a great fleet and army to invade England; nor did there want an occasion to promote his interest, if the slowness, the softness, and credulity of his nature, could have suffered him to make a right improvement of it.

Odo Bishop of Bayeux,[8] of whom frequent mention is made in the preceding reign,[9] a prelate of incurable ambition, either on account of his age or character being restored to his liberty and possessions in England, grew into envy and discontent, upon seeing Lanfranc preferred before him by the new King in his favour and ministry.  He therefore formed a conspiracy with several nobles of Norman birth to depose the King, and sent an invitation to Robert to hasten over.  Mean time the conspirators, in order to distract the King’s forces, seized on several parts of England at once; Bristol, Norwich, Leicester, Worcester, Shrewsbury, Bath, and Durham, were secured by several noblemen:  Odo himself seized Rochester, reduced the coasts of Kent, and sent messages to Robert to make all possible speed.

[Footnote 8:  Odo was half brother to William the Conqueror. [D.S.]]

[Footnote 9:  Sir W. Temple wrote “An Introduction to the History of England.”  As it only extended to the death of William the Conqueror it is probable that it is what is here referred to.  It will be found in vol. ii. of Sir W. Temple’s “Works,” edited by Swift. [W.S.J.]]