William I, William the Conqueror (c.1028 - 1087)


After successfully invading England, William the Conqueror changed the course of English history. The illegitimate son of Robert I of Normandy, William became Duke of Normandy on his father's death in 1035. With many in his family eager to profit from his death, his childhood was dangerous: three of his guardians died violently and his tutor was murdered.

In 1042 he began to take more personal control, but his attempts to bring his subjects into line caused problems. From 1046 until 1055 he dealt with a series of baronial rebellions. In 1052, facing rebellions in eastern Normandy, he began conducting negotiations with his cousin Edward the Confessor, King of England. William developed an ambition to become his kinsman's heir, encouraged by Edward, who possibly even promised him the throne in 1051.

In around 1064 Edward sent Harold, Earl of Wessex, on an embassy to Normandy. During this trip Norman writers maintain that he swore to support William's claim to the English throne. Yet when Edward died childless in January 1066, Harold was himself crowned king. Furious, William decided on war. He landed in England on 28th September, establishing a bridgehead near Hastings.

Harold met him from Stamford Bridge, where he had just defeated Harald Hardraade. He arrived at Hastings late on 13th October, his troops tired. Early the next day William attacked. After a poor start, he rallied his troops. Harold's brothers were killed early in the battle; Harold fell towards dusk. On Christmas Day 1066 William was crowned.

The first years of his reign were spent quashing rebellions and securing his borders. He invaded Scotland in 1072 and Wales in 1081 and created special defensive 'marcher' counties along the borders. The kingdom safe, he spent most of his last 15 years in Normandy. He left the government of England to bishops, returning only when absolutely necessary. While in England to face a threatened Danish invasion, in 1086 he ordered a survey to be made of the kingdom: this was to be Domesday Book.

Abroad, William was threatened by an alliance of Philip I of France and William's son, Robert Curthose. In July 1087, while in Mantes, he was mortally wounded. He spent five weeks dying, attended by his younger sons, William Rufus and Henry. Robert was with Philip and William's anger resulted in his splitting his inheritance. In line with custom, Robert received William's French lands and titles, but England went to William Rufus.