William the Conqueror: Life and Legacy

Early Life

• Birth: Born in Falaise, Normandy, France, between September 1027 and September 1028.
• Parentage:
  • Father: Robert of Normandy, Duke of Normandy at William's birth.
  • Mother: Herleva, possibly a servant or daughter of local tradesmen.
  • Illegitimacy: Known as "Bastardus" due to being born out of wedlock.

Norman Ancestry

• Descended from Hrafa Ragnvaldsen (Rollo), a Viking leader who settled in Normandy.
• Normans were Norse settlers who adopted French culture and language.

Early Rule

• Ascension: Became Duke of Normandy in 1035 after his father's death.
• Challenges: Faced instability and power struggles due to his youth and illegitimacy.
• Consolidation: By 1047, re-established authority, aided by King Henri I of France.

Marriage and Legacy

• Marriage: In 1050, married Matilda of Flanders, strengthening alliances.
• Children: Four sons (Robert, Richard, William, Henry) and five daughters.

Path to the English Throne

• Background: English throne shifted between Anglo-Saxon and Danish rulers.
• Claim: Allegedly promised the throne by Edward the Confessor around 1051.

Invasion of England

• Preparation: Built an invasion fleet, leveraging new ship designs for transporting horses.
• Battle of Hastings (October 14, 1066): Defeated King Harold Godwinson after a decisive battle, leading to his coronation on Christmas Day 1066.

William's Rule in England

• Norman Conquest: Significant cultural and administrative changes, including shifts in language, law, and governance.
• Land Ownership: Major redistribution to Norman lords, as documented in the Doomsday Book.
• Resistance and Rebellion: Faced uprisings, notably the Harrying of the North and the revolt of the earls.

Legacy

• Cultural Impact: Established the Anglo-Norman language and legal systems, reduced slavery.
• Church Reforms: Strengthened and centralized the English church.
• Military and Administrative Influence: Built enduring structures like the Tower of London and initiated the Doomsday Book.

Death and Succession

• Death: Died in 1087 from injuries suffered during a military campaign.
• Succession: Split domains between sons, leading to future conflicts.

Historical Assessment

• Controversy: Viewed as both a unifying king and a ruthless conqueror.
• Long-term Influence: Set a template for English rule and conflict with France over the coming centuries.

Note: William's life spanned significant cultural shifts and military conquests, marking a turning point in English and European history.