William was born in 1028 in Falaise, Normandy, France.1)
He was the illegitimate son of Robert I, Duke of Normandy, and Herleva, a tanner's daughter.2)
His original name was William the Bastard, before he became William the Conqueror.3)
William became Duke of Normandy at the age of 7, following his father's death in 1035.4)
He faced numerous challenges to his rule during his early years, including rebellion from his barons.5)
William was known for his imposing physical stature, reportedly standing over 6 feet tall.6)
In 1066, William invaded England, leading to the famous Battle of Hastings on October 14, 1066.7)
He defeated King Harold II of England at the Battle of Hastings, securing his claim to the English throne.8)
William's victory at Hastings marked the last successful invasion of England to this day.9)
He was crowned King of England on Christmas Day, 1066, at Westminster Abbey.10)
William initiated the Norman Conquest of England, which led to significant changes in English society, culture, and governance.11)
The Norman Conquest introduced feudalism to England, with William redistributing land to his Norman followers.12)
William commissioned the Domesday Book in 1085, a comprehensive survey of England's landholdings and wealth, to better administer his new kingdom.13)
He strengthened royal authority in England by centralizing power and imposing his will on the English nobility.14)
William faced numerous rebellions during his reign, particularly in the north of England, which he brutally suppressed.15)
The Harrying of the North, a scorched-earth campaign in 1069-1070, devastated northern England and quelled resistance to Norman rule.16)
Despite his conquest, William faced ongoing challenges to his rule, including Danish invasions and internal strife.17)
William's reign saw the construction of numerous castles and fortifications across England, including the Tower of London.18)
He fostered closer ties between England and Normandy, with many Norman nobles holding lands on both sides of the English Channel.19)
William's marriage to Matilda of Flanders produced four sons and six daughters, securing the succession of his dynasty.20)
His eldest son, Robert Curthose, succeeded him as Duke of Normandy, while his second son, William Rufus, became King of England.21)
William's descendants would go on to rule England for several centuries, including the Plantagenet and Tudor dynasties.22)
He died on September 9, 1087, at the Priory of St Gervase near Rouen, France, from injuries sustained in a fall from his horse.23)
William's body was buried at the Abbey of Saint-Étienne in Caen, Normandy, which he had founded.24)
Legend has it that William's coffin burst open during his burial, leading to speculation about divine judgment for his conquest of England.25)
William's legacy is complex, with some viewing him as a ruthless conqueror and others as a transformative figure in English history.26)
He was fluent in both Norman French and Latin, though he likely spoke little English.27)
William encouraged the construction of cathedrals and monasteries in England, promoting Norman architectural styles.28)
His reign saw the introduction of Norman military tactics and innovations to England, including the widespread use of cavalry.29)
William granted the city of London a royal charter, laying the foundations for its future growth and importance.30)