On 25 February 1095, a council was held at Rockingham by William II ⓘ to address the growing dispute between the king and Anselm ⓘ, Archbishop of Canterbury.

The conflict centred on the question of papal allegiance during the wider Investiture Controversy ⓘ. Anselm had recognised Urban II ⓘ as the rightful pope, while William maintained that no pope could be acknowledged in England without royal approval, a principle established under William I.

At the council many English bishops sided with the king and attempted to persuade Anselm to abandon his support for Urban II. Anselm refused, insisting that obedience to the legitimate pope could not be set aside at royal command.

Although the council failed to resolve the dispute, William soon afterwards chose to recognise Urban II, allowing a temporary settlement. Tensions between the king and Anselm nevertheless continued and would eventually lead to the archbishop’s exile.