William the Conqueror

Falaise Chateau Guillaume Conquerant 1

Tree of William I struggle for Normandy

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Tree of William's struggle for England

William the Conqueror (c. 1028 – 9 September 1087), also known as William I of England and William the Bastard, was the first Norman King of England, reigning from 1066 until his death in 1087. He was a descendant of Viking raiders and was Duke of Normandy from 1035. His conquest of England was the result of the decisive Battle of Hastings in 1066, an event that significantly shaped the history of England and the English monarchy.

Early Life

William was born in Normandy, the illegitimate son of Duke Robert I of Normandy and his mistress Herleva. His illegitimacy earned him the nickname "William the Bastard." Despite this, he succeeded his father as Duke of Normandy at a young age, with his rule initially marked by chaos and Viking raids. William managed to secure his duchy through force and diplomacy, proving himself a skilled warrior and leader.

Claim to the English Throne

William's claim to the English throne was based on a supposed promise made by his cousin, Edward the Confessor, and an alleged oath of fealty from Harold Godwinson, who was crowned king of England upon Edward's death in 1066. Disputing Harold's claim, William sought and received papal support for a military expedition to enforce his rights to the English crown.

The Norman Conquest

In 1066, William assembled a large invasion fleet and army, landing in England at Pevensey on 28 September. The two armies met at the Battle of Hastings on 14 October, where Harold Godwinson was killed, leading to William's victory. The Norman Conquest, as it came to be known, was not complete with the battle, and William spent the following years securing his control over England. This period was marked by significant resistance, harsh reprisals against English rebels, and the Harrying of the North.

Reign

As king, William transformed the English landscape with the construction of castles, the establishment of the Feudal System, and the commission of the Domesday Book, a great survey of his English domains. His reign also saw the replacement of the English elite with Norman and other French-speaking aristocrats, the foundation of many monasteries, and significant changes in English law and governance.

Death and Legacy

William died in 1087 in France after a fall from his horse. He was succeeded by his sons, William II and Henry I. His conquest had a lasting impact on England, fundamentally altering the English culture, language, and governance. The Norman influence integrated the Norse and French elements with the Anglo-Saxons, laying the foundation for the modern English nation.

See Also

• Norman Conquest of England
• Domesday Book
• Feudalism in England
• History of England