William's 1st Phase (1 Jan 1035 Jahr – 1 März 1041 Jahr)

Beschreibung:

Between 1035 and 1040 William is cared for by: 1, Robert, Archbishop of Rouen (William's great-uncle) who provides stability till his death in March 1037)
2, Alan, Count of Brittany and Gilbert, count of Brionne (cousins to William's father Robert).
However, there was disorder: many magnates built illegal fortifications and then used them as bases for pursuing mafia-like vendettas on rival families.
Alan, Count of Brittany, was killed at a siege of one of these fortifications the start of October 1040. Gilbert, Count of Brionne, was killed by his rivals while hunting in 1041. William's tutor Turold was killed and then Osbern, his steward, was killed - his throat cut while he slept in the same room as William at the castle of Le Vandreuil.
Possession of William (and therefore power) was the prize and key plotter Rodulf of Gace, with the likely backing of the King of France, is eventually named as William's guardian and leader of the Norman army.