William the Conqueror to go on pilgrimage to Jerusalem. Although some of his supporters tried to dissuade him from undertaking the journey, Robert convened a council in January 1035 and had the assembled Norman magnates swear fealty to William as his heir before leaving for Jerusalem. He died in early July at Nicea, on his way back to Normandy. William faced several challenges on becoming duke, including his illegitimate birth and his youth: the evidence indicates that he was either seven or eight years old at the time. He enjoyed the support of his great-uncle, Archbishop Robert, as well as the king of
On the Death of His Grace, the Duke of Albemarle On the Death of His Grace, the Duke of Albemarle On the Death of His Grace, the Duke of Albemarle is an English broadside ballad published in 1670, and is currently housed in the National Library of Scotland as well as the British Library. Online facsimiles of the ballad are also available for public consumption. Though current research has failed to unearth the author of this ballad, the historical significance of the piece is nevertheless notable. The ballad's subject is George Monck, 1st Duke of Albemarle, who died of edema on 3 January 1670. After the death of Cromwell in