William the Conqueror
William was born in 1028. His father was the powerful Robert I, Duke of Normandy. When William was seven years old, his father decided to go on a pilgrimage to Jerusalem. Since William was only seven years old and his only son, Robert assembled his nobles and had them swear that William would be his heir should he die. When Robert died on his return trip from Jerusalem, William was made Duke of Normandy.
Duke of Normandy:
William was crowned Duke of Normandy in 1035. Over the next several years there were many attempts on William's life. For a time his great-uncle, the Archbishop Robert, looked after William. After the archbishop died, it was mostly King Henry I of France's support that helped William to keep his title.
Over the next few years William would consolidate power across the region and by 1060 had firm control of Normandy.
Invading England
The King of England, Edward the Confessor, died in 1066. He did not leave any heirs to the throne, but William was related to the king through Edward's uncle, Richard II. William also claimed that Edward had promised him the crown.
However, there were other men who also claimed the crown of England. One of them was the most powerful noble in England at the time, Harold Godwinson. The people of England wanted Harold to be king and crowned him King Harold II on January 6, 1066, the day after King Edward died. Another man who claimed the English throne was King Hardrada of Norway.
When King Hardrada of Norway invaded England and King Harold II went to meet him in battle, William saw his chance. He gathered an army and crossed the English Channel making camp near the city of Hastings.
Battle of Hastings
After King Harold II defeated the Norwegian invaders, he turned south to face William. William, however, was ready for battle. William had brought archers and heavily armored cavalry called knights. Harold's foot soldiers were no match for William's forces and William won the battle and King Harold II was killed by an arrow.
Becoming King of England
William continued to march across England and eventually captured the city of London. Shortly after, on December 25, 1066, William was crowned king of England.
Domesday Book
In 1085, William ordered a full survey of the landholdings of all of England. He had men go around the land and record who owned the land and all the property they had including such things as livestock, farm equipment, and mills. This information was all put into a single book called the Domesday Book.
Interesting Facts:
William's conquest of England also influenced the English language. William and his nobles spoke French and this would help change the English language from Old English to, what we call, Middle English. Middle English resembles our language today, while Old English sounds like a foreign language.
William is also credited with introducing and enforcing a strong system of feudalism into England, to help him maintain control and power over his lands.
Duke of Normandy:
William was crowned Duke of Normandy in 1035. Over the next several years there were many attempts on William's life. For a time his great-uncle, the Archbishop Robert, looked after William. After the archbishop died, it was mostly King Henry I of France's support that helped William to keep his title.
Over the next few years William would consolidate power across the region and by 1060 had firm control of Normandy.
Invading England
The King of England, Edward the Confessor, died in 1066. He did not leave any heirs to the throne, but William was related to the king through Edward's uncle, Richard II. William also claimed that Edward had promised him the crown.
However, there were other men who also claimed the crown of England. One of them was the most powerful noble in England at the time, Harold Godwinson. The people of England wanted Harold to be king and crowned him King Harold II on January 6, 1066, the day after King Edward died. Another man who claimed the English throne was King Hardrada of Norway.
When King Hardrada of Norway invaded England and King Harold II went to meet him in battle, William saw his chance. He gathered an army and crossed the English Channel making camp near the city of Hastings.
Battle of Hastings
After King Harold II defeated the Norwegian invaders, he turned south to face William. William, however, was ready for battle. William had brought archers and heavily armored cavalry called knights. Harold's foot soldiers were no match for William's forces and William won the battle and King Harold II was killed by an arrow.
Becoming King of England
William continued to march across England and eventually captured the city of London. Shortly after, on December 25, 1066, William was crowned king of England.
Domesday Book
In 1085, William ordered a full survey of the landholdings of all of England. He had men go around the land and record who owned the land and all the property they had including such things as livestock, farm equipment, and mills. This information was all put into a single book called the Domesday Book.
Interesting Facts:
William's conquest of England also influenced the English language. William and his nobles spoke French and this would help change the English language from Old English to, what we call, Middle English. Middle English resembles our language today, while Old English sounds like a foreign language.
William is also credited with introducing and enforcing a strong system of feudalism into England, to help him maintain control and power over his lands.
Bayeux Tapestry