Anselm, at the invitation of Hugh d'Avranches, first Earl of Chester, had in 1092 crossed to England, where he had been detained by business for nearly four months and then refused permission to return to Bec by the king.

The latter had suddenly fallen seriously ill at Alveston the following year, and spurred on by his wish to make amends for his sinful behavior which he believed had caused his illness he allows the nomination of Anselm on March 6, 1093, to the vacant see.

Over the course of the following months, Anselm tries to refuse, on the grounds of age and ill-health.

Anselm on August 24 gives William the conditions under which he will accept the see, which amount to an agenda of the Gregorian Reform: that William return the see's land which he had seized; that William accept the preeminence of Anselm's spiritual counsel; and that William acknowledge Pope Urban II as pope (in opposition to Antipope Clement III).

Anselm's professions of refusal aid his bargaining position as he discusses terms with William.

William is exceedingly reluctant to accept these conditions; he will only grant the first.

A few days after this, William tries to rescind even this; he suspends the preparations for Anselm's investiture.

Under public pressure William is forced to carry out the appointment.

In the end, Anselm and William settle on the return of Canterbury's lands as the only concession from William.

Finally, the English bishops thrust the crosier into his hands and take him to the church to be inducted.

He does homage to William, and on September 25, 1093 he receives the lands of the see, and is enthroned, after obtaining dispensation from his duties in Normandy.

He is on December 4 consecrated archbishop of Canterbury.

One of Anselm's first conflicts with William comes the very month he is consecrated.

William is preparing to fight his elder brother, Robert II, Duke of Normandy, and needs funds for doing so.

Anselm is among those expected to pay him, and he offers five hundred pounds.

William refuses the offer, insisting on a greater sum.

Later, a group of bishops suggests that William might now settle for the original sum, but Anselm tells them he has already given the money to the poor.

In this episode Anselm is careful, and manages to both avoid charges of simony, and be generous.