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