Date of Award

8-1984

Degree Name

Master of Arts

Department

Medieval Studies

First Advisor

Dr. George Beech

Second Advisor

E. Roxanne Elder

Access Setting

Masters Thesis-Open Access

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to provide a full prosopographical examination of the origins of a great Norman noble family known as the Tosnys, and of its principal figure Ralph III. The Tosny role in the Norman ventures in Italy, Spain, and England is studied, and an analysis of Ralph Ill's English lands, as found in Domesday Book, is also included. This thesis presents a complete study of the life of Ralph III de Tosny; a life virtually void of participation in English affairs after the Conquest. In this he departs from the standard of Norman aristocratic activity in the newly-acquired kingdom of England. This lack of participation in England stands in striking relief to his large landed interest there, making him an unusual anomaly in Anglo-Norman aristocratic history.

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