P. 40 Of particular importance in the formation of the new regime were links tro the dukes themselves. Those related to Richard I were called the Richardidae, a term already used by Dudo. As well as Richard II, Richard’s illegitimate children included Godfrey and William, who were recognized as counts, respectively of Brionne on the river Risle, and Eu near the mouth of the river Bresle. His sons by Gunnor were Richard II, who succeeded him, Robert, who was appointed archbishop of Rouen around 989 or 990 and was at the same time count of Evreaux, and Mauger, who became count of Corbeil, south-east of Paris, through marriage. His daughters made prestigious marriages. Emma married King Aethlred of England, at a time when the king needed an ally to protect the country from Danish attacks. Another daughter Hawise married Goeffry, Count of Rennes, whose sister Judith married Riachert II, the double marriage thus strenmgthening Norman influence over Brittany. A third daughter, Matilda, married Odo II, Count of Blois (and several other counties_, a marriage which, though short-lived and childless, was intended to assist friendly relations with another powerful neighbour. .. Kinship networks were at the heart of Richard’s power and continued to be so.”
P. 101 Harold made a major tactical error in meeting William in pitched battle… His march north to deal with Tostig and Harold Hadrada was stunningly successful, and he returned safely to the south. He evidently thought he could deal with William in the same way. Instead, once he had succeeded in battle, the Conqueror was able to buy off Edwin and Morcar and sideline Edgar Aetheling, and have himself crowned and begin to stake out southern and midland England. If Harold had gambled, so did William, and against the odds an invading force established itself in permanent occupancy.”
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