William the Conqueror
Best known as: Norman ruler who invaded England
Occupation: Military leader, royalty
Also known as: King William I of England
Nationality: French
Born: c. 1027 in Falaise, France
Died: September 9, 1087 in Rouen, France
Short biography:
William became the Duke of Normandy at age 7 upon his father's death. In his teens and twenties, he put down rebellions in Normandy (1047) and fought off two invasions by Henry I of France (1054 and 1047). He is most famous for his invasion of England in 1066. Tihs occurred in the aftermath of the death of Edward the Confessor, who had no heir. William, a distant relative of Edward, made a claim to the throne, but so did Earl of Wessex Harold Godwinson and Harald Hardraada of Norway. The pope endorsed William's bid, and he invaded England with up to 696 ships. He defeated Harold at the Battle of Hastings and became King of England (Harold had defeated Harald earlier). Revolts continued throughout England during much of William's reign but were unsuccessful. During William's reign, Normandy increased in power compared to other parts of France. In England, William increased the importance of shires and brought them under central control, built many castles, decreased the power of English aristocrats, made French the language of the English nobility, and compiled the Domesday Book, which resembles the modern census. He died at age 59 after falling from his horse while invading the town of Mantes, near Paris.
Wife: Matilda of Flanders
Parents: Robert the Magnificent and Arletta
Children: Robert, Adeliza, Cecilia, William II, Richard, Adela, Agatha, Constance, Matilda, Henry
Enemies: Harold Godwinson, Harald Hardraada
Fun facts:
- His invasion was the last time England was successfully conquered by a foreign power
- The famous Bayeux Tapestry depicts William's invasion of England and the events leading up to it
