How did William I secure his border with Scotland and Wales?

William I secured his borders with Scotland and Wales through military campaigns, castle building, and strategic alliances.

William the Conqueror, as he is often known, was a shrewd and strategic ruler who understood the importance of securing his borders. His approach to securing the borders with Scotland and Wales was multifaceted, involving military campaigns, the construction of castles, and the formation of strategic alliances.

In Wales, William I initiated a series of military campaigns to subdue the Welsh princes. These campaigns were often brutal and destructive, aimed at breaking the resistance of the Welsh and asserting Norman control over the region. However, military force was not the only tool at William's disposal. He also embarked on an ambitious programme of castle building across Wales. These castles, many of which still stand today, served as powerful symbols of Norman authority and as practical fortifications from which the Normans could control the surrounding territory. They included the likes of Chepstow and Pembroke, which were key in establishing Norman presence.

In Scotland, William adopted a somewhat different approach. While he did launch a military campaign into Scotland in 1072, known as the 'Harrying of the North', this was more of a show of force than an attempt at outright conquest. Instead, William sought to secure his northern border through strategic alliances. He achieved this by marrying his son Henry to Matilda of Scotland, thereby creating a familial link between the Norman and Scottish royal families. This not only helped to secure the border, but also served to legitimise the Norman rule in the eyes of the Scottish nobility.

In both Scotland and Wales, William's approach was characterised by a combination of military force and strategic diplomacy. He understood that securing his borders was not just about physical control, but also about winning the hearts and minds of the local population. Through his military campaigns, castle building, and strategic alliances, William was able to secure his borders and establish a lasting Norman presence in Britain.