William the Conqueror: From Bastard Duke to King of England
William I, who was born out of wedlock around 1027 or 1028 at Château de Falaise, ascended to the position of Duke of Normandy in 1036. He gained authority through strategic alliances and triumphed over rebellious barons at the Battle of Val-ès-Dunes in 1047, aided by King Henry I of France. Following Henry's betrayal, William strengthened his grip on Normandy. Although King Edward the Confessor allegedly promised him the English throne in 1051, Harold Godwinsson seized it in January 1066. William arrived at Pevensey Bay in late September 1066 and defeated Harold at Senlac Hill on October 14, 1066. He was crowned king on Christmas Day 1066. William passed away from a saddle injury on September 9, 1087, and was interred at the Abbey of Saint-Étienne in Caen.
Key facts
- William was born in 1027 or 1028 at Château de Falaise, illegitimate son of Duke Robert I of Normandy and Herleva.
- He succeeded his father as duke in 1036 at age 8 or 9.
- In 1047, with King Henry I of France, he defeated rebellious barons at the Battle of Val-ès-Dunes.
- King Edward the Confessor may have promised William the English crown in 1051.
- Harold Godwinsson claimed the throne in January 1066 after Edward's deathbed nomination.
- William invaded England, landing at Pevensey Bay in late September 1066.
- Harold defeated Harald Hardrada at Stamford Bridge before facing William.
- William defeated and killed Harold at the Battle of Hastings on October 14, 1066.
- William was crowned king of England on Christmas Day 1066.
- He ordered the Domesday Book survey in 1085.
- William died on September 9, 1087, at the priory of Saint Gervase in Rouen.
- He was buried at the Abbey of Saint-Étienne in Caen.
- His conquest introduced Norman aristocracy, French language to court, and influenced English law.
Entities
Artists
- William the Conqueror
- William I
- William the Bastard
- Duke Robert I of Normandy
- Robert the Magnificent
- Herleva
- Osbern the Steward
- Archbishop Mauger of Rouen
- Count Gilbert of Brionne
- King Henry I of France
- Guy of Burgundy
- King Edward the Confessor
- Edith of Wessex
- Earl Godwin of Wessex
- Emma of Normandy
- Harold Godwinsson
- Harald Hardrada of Norway
- Tostig
- Matilda of Flanders
- Duke Robert II of Normandy
- King William II of England
- King Henry I of England
Institutions
- Château de Falaise
- Abbey of Saint-Étienne
- Priory of Saint Gervase
- The National Portrait Gallery, London
- Historic UK
- Wikimedia Commons
Locations
- Normandy
- France
- Château de Falaise
- Falaise
- Jerusalem
- Rouen
- Val-ès-Dunes
- England
- London
- Pevensey Bay
- Stamford Bridge
- Hastings
- Senlac Hill
- East Sussex
- Caen
- Mantes