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William II (c.1056-1100) King of England (1087-1100):

William Rufus, son of William I and younger brother of Robert Curthose, Duke of Normandy. Besides his miltary expeditions against Wales and Scotland his main interest was the recovery of the Duchy of Normandy from his brother. While Robert II was abroad on the First Crusade, William virtually re-united England and Normandy under his rule. After having appointed Anselm Archbishop of Canterbury he at once quarrelled with him over Church rights which led to Anselm's exilation and almost to William's excommunication. Contemporary documents describe William as ruthless and politically unwise, though this estimation may be a reflection of his alleged homosexuality. He was killed, or perhaps murdered, by an arrow while hunting in the New Forest. He died unmarried and had no children. His successor was his younger brother Henry I.