43 William The Conqueror Facts: First Norman Monarch Of England!
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William the Conqueror was the first Norman Monarch of England.
Born in 1028 in Falaise, Normandy, France, he was known by other famous names including, William the Conqueror and William the bastard. William was the illegitimate son of Robert, the Duke of Normandy and Herlev.
Many historians argue that the bastards helped shape his career when William was young. Hailing from the country of France, he climbed the challenging ladders of conquest in France and then moved on to England, changing the course of its history by overpowering that country.
But his mother was his strongest support; she guided and protected him through all the tough times.
Consequently, William developed immunity from these difficulties, and they became his strength of purpose, fueling his willpower to prove his worth to himself. William spent his last days in Normandy, bequeathing the kingdom to his son Robert as the promise. Willam the Conqueror was 59 years old when he died.
After reading interesting facts about the King of England William's life, also check out William Still facts and William Wallace facts.
William The Conqueror: Children
To understand the life of William, it is important to know more about his children. William the Conqueror sired three sons. Their names are as follows:
Robbert II, Duke of Normandy (1501-113):
He was the eldest son of William the Conqueror. He was known for the win he gained from battling his father in the combat Battle of Gerberoy in the winter of 1078-1079.
William II, King of England (1056-1100):
According to the age-old Norman tradition, Robert's younger brother William Rufus the second gained the entire kingdom of England in its entirety. And some historians suggest that he was also the most favorite son of William the Conqueror and enjoyed a much better relationship.
Henry I, King of England (1068-1135):
He was the third son of William the Conqueror, and during the time of his father's death, Henry was still a teenager. He was given no land, just some money. Most of the property and his father's will were taken away from him by his other brothers. He was called 'beauclerc,' meaning 'a fine scholar.'
William The Conqueror: Descendants
According to various credit history sources, every monarch of England who followed William, including the current Queen of England Elizabeth II, is considered to be a descendant of William the Conqueror.
Some genealogists also suggest that nearly 25% of the English population might be distantly related to the Norman-born king. So consequently, Americans with British descendants are also related to him. Many kings throughout England's history have protected their nation, including the crowned King Harold, King Edward, King Philip, King Malcolm, and more.
William The Conqueror: Tapestry
In the aftermath of 1047, by being an effective and powerful ruler, William established himself as the ruthless king of Normandy, maneuvering the attacks and defeating the kingdom that stood opposed to his rule.
He seized every challenge that got in his way and carried the best military conquests Normandy had ever witnessed. Soon after that, his eyes turned to England.
William's claim to England was loosely based on the assertion that Edward the Confessor was promised the throne in 1051.
Moreover, William was also supported by emperor Henry the V. So in the following years, William established his invasion plan and utilized about 600 transport ships to carry around 7000 across the channel. After the long-lasting battle between King Harold and William, the latter secured the victory.
The battle of Hastings was fought between three contenders, William the Conqueror against Harald Hardrada and the Saxon Harald.
On Christmas 1066, William was crowned in the Westminster Abbey and was named William the Conqueror. But the aftermath of victory was not sweet to King William. He faced constant plotting against both the channels and bravery fought back, not giving up on the treasure he so rightfully acquired.
William, the conqueror tapestry, also known as Bayeux tapestry, is an embroidered cloth that is 230 ft (70.1 m) long and 20 in (50.8 cm) tall.
The tapestry portrays events that led up to his conquest of England, battle of Hastings concerning William the Conqueror, Harold, Earl of Wessex.
This famous embroidered cloth tells the story from the point of view of the Normans but was later agreed that it was indeed created in England.
The tapestry was made from linen, and colored woolen yearns and is now exhibited at the Musée de la tapisserie de Bayeux located in Normandy, France.
This is an example of secular Romanesque art.
William The Conqueror: Wife
William the Conqueror married Matilda of Flanders. He was given in marriage to Matilda, daughter of count Baldwin, five of Flanders, owing to his influential military successes and reputation.
She was 20 years old when her hand was given to William at the wedding. When he was busy conquering England and battling the monarchs there, Matilda ruled Normandy in his absence. She served as a regent in Normandy during the absence of William six times.
Matilda's unresisting importance to her children's education led them to haven what was then known as contemporary royalty education.
William The Conqueror: Ancestry
William the Conqueror was the son of Robert 1 of Normandy, a close relative of the Viking chieftain Rollo through a series of attacks in France in the year 911, and became the duke of the northern part of France.
After Harold's death, William I took his place. William was the son of Normandy's unmarried Duke Robert I and his mistress Herleva. Young William was the first Normal King. Robert died by falling seriously ill. During William's reign, William built a so-called Pevensey Castle near the south coast of England that would help the English resistance.
William II was the new king after William I, and so on, many English nobles carried the English throne to prevent other kingdoms from invading England. William's forces are said to be one of the best in history.
William managed to create an impact with his conquest that was profound; William led to changes in the Church, aristocracy, culture, and English language of the country that have persisted into modern times.
William The Conqueror: Castles
Breaking the societal rules that bastard sons can't take on the throne, William was recognized by his family as the successor after his father's death in the year 1035. He was knighted by King Henry 1 of France when he was 15 years old.
Numerous people during that time did not want to see William taking the throne and becoming the successor. Due to being a bastard, he had to overcome many obstacles.
While being knighted at the age of just 15, the kingdom he was supposed to rule led to a breakdown of authority. The lesser nobles started to rebel, and private wars broke out, castles were destroyed, and public power was being manipulated.
There was also some violence within the palace. Most of his father's family members didn't come forward to help, mainly because they saw advantage in the pointless violence and death of the 15-year-old heir.
William the Conqueror built various castles during his reign to commemorate the victory. According to multiple historical accounts, William consolidated his conquest by starting a castle-building campaign in the planned and strategic areas. He ruled the kingdom of England and sired a few children, all the while promising to uphold the existing law and rules, maintaining peace and order.
Some of his well-known castles are:
Pevensey Castle: It was William the Conqueror's first castle. The castle was built around 290 AD.
Hastings Castle: Built using wooden keeps, earthworks, and a palisade wall. 1070 a stone tower had been built around it.
The Tower of London: Most famous castles of William the Conqueror. The castle measure 118.1 ft (36 m) by 105 ft (32 m).
Windsor Castle: Built to secure the lands surrounding London, the castle was also part of royal hunting forests.
Norwich Castle: Built out of Caen limestone and in accordance with the latest Romanesque fashions.
Chepstow Castle: Built in 1067 in Monmouthshire, Wales, to gain control of the Welsh border. Contrary to popular belief, the castle was built out of stone.
Durham Castle: Played an important role in controlling Scottish borders and preventing attacks from the north. Constructed in the year 1072, six years after the initial conquest of England.
Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created many interesting family-friendly facts for everyone to enjoy! If you liked our suggestions for William the Conqueror facts, then why not take a look at William Wordsworth facts or William Wilberforce facts?
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Bachelor of Arts and Law specializing in Political Science and Intellectual Property Rights
Anusuya MukherjeeBachelor of Arts and Law specializing in Political Science and Intellectual Property Rights
With a wealth of international experience spanning Europe, Africa, North America, and the Middle East, Anusuya brings a unique perspective to her work as a Content Assistant and Content Updating Coordinator. She holds a law degree from India and has practiced law in India and Kuwait. Anusuya is a fan of rap music and enjoys a good cup of coffee in her free time. Currently, she is working on her novel, "Mr. Ivory Merchant".
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