Following the assassination of William, Count of Rouen, a man whose son and successor, Richard was merely a child, the Franks took steps to extend their authority into neighbouring Normandy.
Although the duke proceeded to assail the settlement, before he gained control the king reneged on his promise whereupon Hugh left the region.
[3] The fact that Hagrold is described as in charge of Bayeux in these accounts suggests that he led the successful defence of the town in the preceding year.
[11] On one hand, it is possible that, following William's death, Hagrold seized control of parts of the Cotentin with foreign support, and extended his authority to Bayeux.
[20] In the latter's tenth- or eleventh-century Gesta Normannorum, Hagrold is depicted as a Danish king who arrived in Normandy to aid the young the Count of Rouen during his minority.
Instead, sources such as the eleventh-century texts Encomium Emmae reginae and Gesta Hammaburgensis ecclesiae pontificum state that he sought assistance from the Slavs.