In Northern France the situation was less favourable to
the towns. Often indeed it suited the policy of the Capets to weaken an
over-mighty subject by protecting his rebellious serfs. But the bishops and the
lay seigneurs offered a pertinacious opposition to all demands for enfranchisement;
the King was a timid and vacillating ally, always inclined to desert the cause
of the townsfolk for a bribe, always in fear that the movement might spread to
his demesne. Whatever his sympathies, he could do little, when it came to blows,
but stand aside and watch the conflict. Two examples will serve to illustrate
the general features of these feuds between municipalities and lords.
(1) In 1070 the men of Le Mans were driven to
rebellion by the lawlessness of the local baronage, and by the oppressions of
the governor whom an absentee count had put over them. They formed a commune,
and compelled the more timid of their enemies to swear that they would
recognise it. Others they caught and hanged or blinded; and they made
systematic war against the castles of the neighbourhood, which they took one by
one and burned to the ground - and this, says the outraged chronicler, in Lent
and even on Good Friday! The citizens themselves thought no season too sacred
for such a crusade against anarchy; once, when their militia went out to attack
a castle, the bishop and his clergy were induced to lead the vanguard, bearing
crosses and consecrated banners. But after a time the fortune of war turned against
the commune; the militia were routed and the count's lieutenant recovered the
castle which dominated Le Mans. The citizens offered their allegiance to the
Count of Anjou, if he would deliver them. He came to the rescue, the governor
fled, the castle was surrendered by the garrison and at once demolished. But,
before the citizens had settled their future relations with Anjou, an English
army appeared, led by William the Conqueror, their lawful suzerain. The
Angevins effaced themselves; the citizens, making a virtue of necessity, opened
their gates to the King; and since he would only confirm their ancient liberties,
the existence of the commune was abruptly terminated (1073).
