William I

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William I (c.1028-87), Duke of Normandy (1035-87), King of England (1066-87):

The Conqueror or the Bastard, as he was the illegitimate son of Duke Robert I of Normandy (1027-35). In 1051 he was probably designated as future king of England by Edward the Confessor. In 1066, however, Edward nominated Harold Godwin as his heir in London. When Harold II came to the throne in the same year, William invaded England and defeated and killed his opponent at the Battle of Hastings. He was crowned king on Christmas Day 1066. Within a generation the most important offices in church and state were held by the Normans. Effective control of his new kingdom was at once initiated, especially by the Domesday Book (1086). William was married to Matilda, daughter of Balduin V Count of Flandres. Among his numerous children there are Robert II Duke of Normandy and the future kings William Rufus and Henry I.

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