William the Conqueror

William I, also known as William the Bastard and William the Conqueror, was about eight when his father,Robert, decided to go on a pilgrimage to Jerusalem. Before leaving, Robert called his vassals together and ordered them to swear devotion to William. Reluctantly the men obeyed. Robert did not expect to return from the Holy Land,and he didn't. He died on his journey, and his illegitimate son (William) became the new Duke of Normandy.

William was the Duke of Normandy from 1035 until his death in 1087. He also became king of England in 1066.William was crowned on Christmas day of 1066 as king of England. He was crowned in Westminster Abbey. His reign as king of England also lasted until his death in 1087. In order to claim his crown, William invaded England in 1066. He led an army of Normans to victory over Harold Godwinson and his forces of Anglo-Saxons. This was is known as the Battle of Hastings.

William's victory at the Battle of Hastings marked the beginning of the Norman Conquest. The victory also brought Norman rule to England. Although the south of England submitted quickly to Norman rule, resistance in the north continued for six years (until 1072). During the first two years, William suffered many revolts throughout England. Then, in 1068, Harold's illegitimate sons attempted an invasion of the south western peninsula, however they were defeated by William.

The Norman Conquest was extremely vital to the history of England in several ways. It removed the native ruling class of England. It was replaced with a French speaking monarchy, aristocracy and clerical hierarchy. This transformed the English language as well as the culture of English.

In 1087 William burned and besieged a town called Mantes. However in the process, William was thrown off his horse up against the pommel of his saddle. He was thrown so violently that his intestines burst. Five weeks later, on September 9, 1087, William died. At his funeral, William's bloated body was shoved into a sarcophagus that was way too small. In the process his body exploded.

McKitterick, Rosamond. Times Medieval World. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2003.

Guy, John. Medieval Life. London: Ticktock Media Limited, 2001.