FAITHFUL friends and tried followers were waiting at the foot of the tower, where they had swift horses in readiness for him, though they were in great terror. Having mounted on horseback with them, he fled with the utmost speed; and escorted by his trusty companions, who had charge of his treasure,* he lost no time in hastening on shipboard, and, crossing over to Normandy, presented himself to Duke Robert.*
The fugitive bishop, being received with welcome, was entrusted with the government of the duchy; and, as far as his indolence permitted, Robert availed himself of his counsels. His principal object was to rouse the duke to engage in hostilities with his brother, using all his efforts to exasperate him against the king. He pointed out the best mode of securing the crown of England, and promised him his aid under all circumstances.
tr. Thomas Forester (emended)
Ranulf’s treasure went in a separate ship with his mother. During the crossing, the ship was ambushed by Channel pirates, and the treasure plundered. Ranulf’s mother was dumped ‘half-naked’ on a Normandy beach, along with the ship’s crew.
Robert II Curthose, Duke of Normandy, eldest son of William the Conqueror. William named Robert’s younger brother William Rufus as successor, and Robert failed to dislodge him. After another brother, Henry, succeeded William Rufus in 1100, Robert tried again but was defeated once more despite the assistance of Ranulf Flambard, who undoubtedly added bite. Captured in 1106, Robert died in captivity in 1134, a year before the death of his brother Henry I.