PEACE AS JUSTIFICATION FOR WAR IN THE GESTA GUILLELMI OF WILLIAM OF POITIERS

Abstract

This paper analyzes an eleventh-century biography of William the Conqueror, the Gesta Guillelmi, written by William of Poitiers (WP), chaplain to the Norman duke and English king. It particularly focuses on how the narrative of the biography justifies the controversial career of the Conqueror in terms of peace and order; ultimately, WP praises the Conqueror’s actions as divinely-inspired enforcement of peace over unruly subjects. In this way, WP portrays his master as a pious and virtuous king, concerned for the well-being of his people and determined to check the disruption of sinful rebellion. The paper also discusses how the chaplain manipulates historical details to mold such an image of William the Conqueror, as well as speculating as to how the circumstances of the 1070s, when WP was writing, factor into the meaning of the work as a whole. It argues that the Gesta functions as a work of propaganda aiming to defend William from accusations of unkinglike behavior, to celebrate his promotion to the status of king, and discourage current and potential hostilities against the Norman king’s regime.