Geoffrey
of Coutances came from a prominent family in Normandy.
A close friend of William
the Conqueror he
joined the invasion of England in 1066 and was present at his coronation
at Westminster on 25th December 1066.
Geoffrey
attended all major councils in England during William's reign and
in 1075 helped to crush the rebellion against the Normans. Afterwards
he ordered that all rebels should have their right foot cut off. By
1086 Geoffrey was one of the top ten wealthiest magnates in England.
Robert
Curthose, William's eldest son, was expected to become king of
England when his father died. However, William preferred
