Raising the stakes in the conflict, Henry seizes Flambard's lands and, with the support of Anselm, removes Flambard from his position as bishop.

Henry holds court in April and June, where the nobility renew their oaths of allegiance to him, but their support still appears partial and shaky.

Robert by July has formed an army and a fleet, ready to move against Henry in England.

With the invasion imminent, Henry mobilizes his forces and fleet outside Pevensey, close to Robert's anticipated landing site, training some of them personally in how to counter cavalry charges.

Despite English levies and knights owing military service to the Church arriving in considerable numbers, many of his barons do not appear.

Anselm intervenes with some of the doubters, emphasizing the religious importance of their loyalty to Henry.

Robert unexpectedly lands further up the coast at Portsmouth on July 20 with a modest force of a few hundred men, but these are quickly joined by many of the barons in England.

However, instead of marching into nearby Winchester and seizing Henry's treasury, Robert pauses, giving Henry time to march west and intercept the invasion force.