House / Group: Norman
Born / died: 1027-1087
Reign: 1066-1087
Best known as William the Conqueror.
The only and illegitimate son of William the Magnificent, Duke of Normandy and Herleva, the daughter of a tanner. He was related through his great aunt Queen Emma to Ethelread and Canute.
When his cousin Edward the Confessor died, William claimed the English throne, but it was given to Harold Godwinson. Having received the Pope's support, Wlliam won the English throne by conquest, defeating Harold II in 1066 in the Battle of Hastings, perhaps the most famous date in British history.
William married Matilda of Flanders and they had 10 children (Robert, Adeliza, Cecilia, William (II), Richard, Adela, Agatha, Constance, Matilda, Henry (I)).
He commissioned the Doomsday Book and the Tower of London.
William died near Rouen from abdominal injuries received when he fell from his horse at the Siege of Mantes. He was buried in St. Peter's Church in Caen, Normandy.
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