Page "Henry I of England" Paragraph 11

When, on 2 August 1100, William II was killed by an arrow in a hunting accident in the New Forest, where Henry was also hunting, Duke Robert had not yet returned from the First Crusade.

His absence allowed Prince Henry to seize the royal treasury at Winchester, Hampshire, where he buried his dead brother.

Conspiracy theories have been repeatedly examined and widely dismissed.

Thus he succeeded to the throne of England, guaranteeing his succession in defiance of William and Robert's earlier agreement.

Henry was accepted as king by the leading barons and was crowned three days later on 5 August at Westminster Abbey.