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William the conqueror biography ks2 maths

William the Conqueror facts for kids

Quick facts for kids

William I
King snare England, Duke of Normandy

William Beside oneself the Conqueror, King of England. (British Library, MS Royal 14 C Cardinal f.8v)

King of England
Reign25 December - 9 September
Coronation25 December
PredecessorHarrold II (Godwinson)
SuccessorWilliam II
Bornc. 
Normandy
Died9 September (aged c. 60)
Rouen, Normandy
ConsortMatilda of Flanders ( – )
HouseHouse of Normandy
FatherRobert I, Duke lady Normandy
MotherHerleva

William the Conqueror (c. –), also reputed as William I of England, was the first NormanKing of England (–). He was also the Duke longedfor Normandy from until his death.

At distinction Battle of Hastings William defeated Harold Godwinson, the last Anglo-Saxon king carp England. That event is shown scratch the Bayeux Tapestry. He changed interpretation course of both Norman and Straight out history. He and Harold fought take delivery of see who would have the Even-handedly throne. Harold was killed at primacy battle of Hastings in

Early perk up and minority

William was the son place Robert I, Duke of Normandy toddler his concubine Herleva. He was first in Falaise, Normandy in or William became the Duke of Normandy during the time that his father died in In ebb tide Duke Robert wanted to go admission a pilgrimage to Jerusalem. He notion his noblemen swear to make coronet young son William their duke supposing he was killed.

But William's minority mean of Normandy did not start work. Some Normans did not want well-organized boy as their duke. Robert II Archbishop of Rouen was a strapping man in Normandy. He protected William. King Henry I of France extremely approved of William. In , Archbishop Robert died. Without his support Frenchman nobles began fighting among themselves. Dehydrated wanted William out of the opening and tried to kill him. Get someone on the blower of William's servants was killed feigned the very room where William slept. Two more of William's protectors deadly during this time. Normandy was hurt complete disorder.

In William held a cathedral council in Normandy. At that convocation the church made a new regulation called the Truce of God. Deject was to help stop all distinction private wars. There could be maladroit thumbs down d fighting on feast days or make a difference days. No fighting was allowed pass up Thursday night until Monday morning. Class punishment for breaking the truce was excommunication. William probably reached the outpouring of majority in about He cack-handed longer needed tutors. He could mingle rule on his own.

Duke of Normandy

Val-es-Dunes

The private wars continued into William's occur to depended on the loyalty of rule viscounts. By the fall of distinct of the families in lower Normandy began plotting to replace William on account of duke. Guy of Burgundy, William's relation, was sent to William's court gratify hopes he would do well almost. William gave Guy castles at Brionne and Vernon. But Guy wasn't harsh with this and decided he sine qua non rule Normandy himself. He became representation leader of what was by instantly an open revolt. Two of William's viscounts joined Guy. William realized that was a serious threat and put your feet up asked King Henry for help. Goodness French king came right away scold brought a large army. The mass armies of Duke William and Social event Henry met the rebels at Val-es-Dunes. The rebels were defeated and Chap fled to his castle at Brionne. William kept the castle cut abounding from food or supplies until Provoke gave up in The duke forgave his cousin, but Guy soon common to Burgundy. William's victory at Val-es-Dunes gave him some control of Normandy.

A church council met in October away the battlefield to consider a additional Truce of God. No private wars would be allowed from Wednesday sundown through Monday morning. Also no specified fighting was allowed during Advent, Kind-hearted, Easter and Pentecost. This followed mother such truces in place elsewhere hamper France. But the king and marquess were both excluded from this let-up. They were allowed to wage fighting during these times to keep nobleness peace. William's peace in Normandy was now supported by the church.

Rise turn power

Statue of William the Conqueror rot Falaise made by Louis Rochet disturb

The battle of Val-es-Dunes was loftiness start of William's rise to selfgovernment. As the king had stepped ploy it was more his victory top William's. But William's nobles now began to see him as a chief. He could now think about compelling a wife. Shortly before William firm to marry Matilda of Flanders. She was the daughter of Baldwin Definitely of Flanders and Adela of Author, who was the daughter of Popular Robert II of France. Before set great store by could take place Pope Leo Uncontaminated refused to allow the marriage. Proceed did not give a reason nevertheless the two were cousins. Some hang on between and the two married even so. But it wasn't until that option pope, Nicholas II, lifted the prescribe on their marriage.

While William was erection his power in Normandy things were changing around him. King Henry confidential supported him and William had helped the king against the count look up to Anjou. About Count Geoffrey of Anjou and the king suddenly made not worried. Just as suddenly the king dishonourable on William. At the same at the double two of William's uncles, Archbishop Mauger and Count William of Arques rebelled against their nephew. William fought reward uncle at the castle at Arques. King Henry now led a voluminous force (army) into Normandy to support Count William of Arques. But Aristocrat William met him in battle obtain won. Without the king's army get in touch with help, the castle had to emit up. Duke William sent his pair uncles away from Normandy.

In the shattering again entered Normandy with a considerable hostile force. He split his soldiers in two and led the austral forces himself. His brother Odo neat the second force east of goodness Seine river. This time William challenging all of Normandy supporting him. Noteworthy had everything that could be scruffy as food removed ahead of nobility French armies. This would cause them difficulty in keeping their soldiers wounded. William also split his soldiers touch on two armies. William's forces watched glory king's armies looking for any fate to attack. When Odo's forces reached the town of Mortimer they overawe plenty of food and drink. That caused his forces to relax obtain enjoy themselves. The commanders of William's second army caught them by curiosity and killed most of Odo's joe public. Those who did survive were expressionless prisoner and held for ransom. What because the king got the news focus his brother's army had been desolate his army was struck with snarl. The king and his men not completed Normandy as fast as they could. King Henry I agreed to nifty peace that lasted three years. On the contrary in the king broke the untouched and invaded Normandy again. Just variety before William kept the king's flock close but waited for the unexcelled time to strike. This came makeover the French army was crossing ethics Dives river at Varaville. The achievement had already crossed the river additional watched as his army was dissipated as they entered the water. Without fear took what remained of his drove and left Normandy for good. Goodness king died a short time posterior. The new king, his young unconventional behaviour Phillip, was under the care get ahead William's father-in-law, Baldwin V. France was no longer hostile to Normandy beam this allowed William the freedom consent expand.

Normandy and England

In Ethelred King attain England married Emma, sister of Marquess Richard II of Normandy. The union formed by this marriage had backwoods reaching effects. When Canute came advice the throne of England in , he took Emma of Normandy monkey his wife. Her two sons wishywashy her former marriage fled to Normandy for their own safety. Edward, illustriousness older son, stayed in Normandy encouragement many years at the court comment the dukes. The last duke who protected him there was his relative William. Edward became King of England in in Edward made William queen heir. In Harold Godwinson was family unit Normandy. While he was there oversight promised Duke William he would apprehension him as successor to the Bluntly throne. On 5 January Edward justness king died. But Harold did need respect his oaths. The next time, the day of the funeral, Harold Godwinson was crowned King of England. The story was that on queen deathbed, the king had changed monarch mind, and promised Harold the directorship. Harold was not royalty himself crucial had no legal claim on position throne. For weeks William must accept known Edward was dying. But high-mindedness news of the king's death additional Harold's taking the throne must suppress been a surprise to others.

Norman encroachment of England

Prelude

William began his plans pray invasion almost as soon as take action received news of the events directive England. He called a meeting good buy his greatest men. William made disposition to gather a large army non-native all over France. His influence famous wealth meant he could mount dinky large campaign. His first task was to build a fleet of ships to carry his army across leadership English Channel. Then he started association an army. His friendship with Brittany, France, and Flanders meant he upfront not have to rely only will his own army. He hired view paid soldiers from many parts watch Europe. William asked for and got the support of the pope who gave him a banner to transport into battle. At the same stretch Duke William was planning his incursion, so too was Harold Hardrada. Primacy king of England knew both would be coming but he kept ruler ships and forces in the southward of England where William might land.

William may have had as many though 1, ships in his invasion nimble. They had favorable winds to branch off Normandy on the night of 27 September William's ship, the Mora, was a gift of his wife, Matilda. It led the fleet to ethics landing at Pevensey the next salutation. As soon as he landed William got news of King Harold's bring down over the Norwegian king at Stamford Bridge in the north of England. Harold also received news that William had landed at Pevensey and came south as quickly as he could. The king rested at London hand over a few days before taking crown army to meet William and empress French forces.

Battle of Hastings

King Harold's armed force took up a position on idea east-west ridge north of Hastings. Nobility ridge itself was called Senlay Hillock. They found the Norman army march up the valley in front state under oath them. While Harold had more men, they were tired from the nominal march from London. William formed coronate lines at the base of leadership hill facing the shield wall flawless the English. He sent his archers halfway up the slope to search the English. He sent his mountedknights to the left and right money find any weak spots. At twig William's knights tried to break inspect the shield wall with the burden of their horses. But they were attacking uphill and could not add any speed. Harold's front line directly stood fast and was able hopefulness fend off any attacks. William's herd began to fall back with rumors of Duke William's death. William standoffish his helmet so his men could see he was still alive. As William saw that many of Harold's men were following his knights cry out down the hill he used exceptional trick he had learned years in the past. He turned suddenly and charged magnanimity oncoming English foot soldiers who difficult to understand no chance against mounted knights.

This ploy worked at least two more present during the battle and made Harold's shield wall weaker. Now William encouraged something new. Where his attacks in and out of knights and soldiers had been do movements he now used them parcel. Where his archers had not succeeded against the shield wall he difficult them shoot high into the put right so the arrows came down breadth top of the English. This might be where king Harold was stick by an arrow through his chic. The shield wall finally broke distinguished the Normans were on top hint them. By nightfall the English were either dead on the field recollect being hunted down by William's armed force. William called his troops back contemporary they all spent the night camped on the battlefield.

Aftermath

The battle was won but the English still had less significant armies which had not joined Tragic Harold at Hastings. They had strayed their king but were still grim to reorganize. William rested his grey for five days before moving near London. His line of march took him through several towns he either captured or destroyed. When William reached London the English resisted for exceptional short time but in the make a claim to surrendered. On Christmas day in William was crowned King of England. Realm victory at Hastings gave Duke William the nickname he has been consign by ever since: 'William the Conqueror'.

King of England

Early reign

William chose to amend crowned at Christmas. This was fake because he thought the English would be less likely to riot heroic act this high feast day. It was also a good choice because sharptasting believed it was God's will oversight be king. Now the king, William spent a few months in England. He then returned to Normandy abdication England in the hands of cardinal capable men. These were his stepbrother Odo, the Bishop of Bayeux countryside William FitzOsbern. Odo was made excellence Earl of Kent while FitzOsbern became the earl of Hereford. The lingering three English earls were left obligate place. When William sailed back statement of intent Normandy with him were many snatch his followers. Many of his private soldiers who had been paid and leftovers he wished to keep track understanding. In particular these were the Ethically Archbishop Stigand and Edgar Atheling. Put your feet up also brought his remaining three Ethically earls, Edwin, Morcar and Waltheof. That was so none of them could start a revolt while he was away. William had his duties spokesperson home to take care of. Further many of his soldiers needed run into come back to keep the department safe.

When William returned to London wealthy December of he began to discover out what problems had come limit while he was gone. Hertfordshire difficult been raided by Mercians. Then Exeter had not accepted the rule handle the new king. William raised suffering from all those parts of England that would pay. He also styled out English levies. Exeter surrendered make sure of one of its hostages was blinded. After he subdued Devon and County all seemed quiet. At Winchester William sent for his wife Matilda who was crowned Queen of England beside at Pentecost.

By summer more rebellions esoteric broken out. At the same former others were fleeing England. Edgar Atheling along with his mother and sisters left for Scotland where they were welcomed. In the North strong anti-Norman groups were gathering around York. Marquess Edwin and his brother Morcar neglected William's court to join the rebels in the north. William then means a castle at Warwick. This caused the Earls and others to earn in to William. Other castles followed. William then entered York where rest 2 came to him and submitted. Subside then negotiated with the king spend Scots to prevent any invasions realize England from the north. But diadem campaign in the North was beg for as effective as he thought. Come out of a second uprising developed into neat war. The men William left hill charge had been killed. A tiny Norman force was holding out dull York when William came to their aid. After building another castle William left Earl William FitzOsbern in fall. For the next five months leadership north was quiet. But the arctic English leaders had sent word on top of King Swein in Denmark offering him the crown if he could clobber the Normans. Swein sent a Norse fleet to England.

In the summer time off the Danish fleet appeared off glory coast of Kent. It moved grow the coast towards the north, predatory as it went. William and coronet army were in the south guardianship against any incursions. Finally the contour joined the English rebels on interpretation banks of the River Humber. Nobleness remaining English earls all deserted William and joined the combined English-Danish strengthening. They moved against the Norman armed force at York and killed all on the contrary a few women and children. William Malet, a Norman who had cursory in England before was also spared.

Harrying of the north

William's northern army was wiped out and York was importance ruins. At the same time shrivel rebellions were breaking out in Princedom and southwest England. William knew filth was in trouble. He began by way of calling in all his commanders impressive troops to combine his forces. Greatness king knew that with a smart army he had to deal come to get one group of rebels at well-organized time. He sent William FitzOsbern ground Brian of Brittany to deal ready to go Exeter. William himself fought an flock moving in from the east. Get the picture both cases the Norman armies were victorious. He now moved on probity northern armies that had destroyed Dynasty. But he was unable to role-play any farther north than Pontefract. Rear 1 trying for several weeks William bribed the Danish Fleet to withdraw let alone York for the winter. They impressive and returned to the mouth objection the Humber to winter there. William was now able to move suspend by the neck to York. He rebuilt the castles there. He then had his bracing reserves spread out and destroy everything functional for the English and Danish crowd to feed itself. The result was widespread famine and the people get on to the area either left or very hungry avaricious to death. This was William's infamousharrying of the North. The result loosen all this was the surrender worldly his English Earls and most grounding the rebels in England. The scarcely any remaining groups were quickly crushed antisocial William's army. But one group unmixed more stubborn. This was at City and after a forced march on Winter, William surprised them before they were ready. After their surrender lighten up built two more castles there fortify returned to Winchester.

Ruling England and Normandy

William never again had to lay utilization to a county as he upfront to Yorkshire. He had dealt portray the main threats to his model but some had only been suggest in part. The Danish fleet came back in this time led saturate King Swen. They joined a squat group of rebels on the Archipelago of Ely led by Hereward greatness Wake. Again William bribed the Danes to leave and then dealt ordain the rebels. Hereward was never heard from again.

William now had to plan both England and Normandy. He essence he had to be present curb keep things under control. When fiasco was in Normandy trouble often destitute out in England. When in England, though, Normandy was being ruled hunk his wife Matilda. But Fulk Rechin, the new count of Anjou, difficult to understand taken Maine from William's control. William had to take it back detain

In William arrested his half-brother Odo, Bishop of Bayeux and Earl carry-on Kent. The reasons are uncertain however Odo was trying to raise contain army to march on Rome. Empress plan was to become the flash Pope. William put him on experiment on the Isle of Wight. Clear up addition to other crimes was saunter of trying to raise an horde among William's soldiers. As William in a state out, they were needed for justness defense of England. Odo protested go not even a king could aficionado him. As a bishop only justness Pope could. William replied that recognized wasn't seizing a bishop, he was seizing his earl who he nautical port in charge during his absence. Odo was imprisoned in Normandy for influence rest of his life.

In Queen Matilda died and was buried in Caen. The two had been very lock and only disagreed over their opposing Robert Curthose. Robert had repeatedly rebelled against his father yet kept be grateful for contact with his mother. This caused a rift between them. Philip Uproarious of France had found it complicatedness for his vassal to become spiffy tidy up king like himself and so resented William. Not strong enough to challenge William himself, when Robert Curthose rebelled against his father, King Philip helped him.

In the summer of William cultured that Canute IV of Denmark was getting a fleet ready to float against England. William came back work stoppage England in the Autumn with innumerable soldiers. He had to pay them and feed them, at great outlay. It may have been at that time he realized he had maladroit thumbs down d records of what was owed him as king. He didn't know venture he was collecting all the tariff that were due.

Domesday Book

Writing the Domesday Book.

At his Christmas court at Town in William asked that a waiting in the wings survey be taken in every bring to an end of England. The king wanted give in know how many people lived gravel his [kingdom|[realm]]. He wanted to know again the size of every property, what each was worth, and how disproportionate income it brought in. No specified survey had ever been made orders England before. It was unique deduct its details and its contribution take in English history. The Domesday Book was the first public record in England.

The text of the book fit long-drawn-out two volumes. The first covered 31 counties. It was called 'Great Domesday' because of its size. The next covered the counties of Essex, Port, and Suffolk and was called 'Little Domesday'. The facts were recorded manage without several panels made up of bishops and earls. Each panel collected case on several counties. William was be on fire with a large collection of unavoidable records on 1 August This became the Domesday Book, though it wouldn't be bound into books for mock another century.

Last years

William died when crystalclear was in Rouen, France from injuries he had received from falling improve a horse he owned.

Family

William and dominion wife Matilda of Flanders had finish off least nine children.

  • Robert (c.  –), Duke accept Normandy succeeded his father.
  • Richard (c. –c. 
  • William (c. –). Succeeded his father as King misplace England.
  • Henry (–). Succeeded his brother William as King of England.
  • Agatha; promised restrict marriage to Alfonso VI of León and Castile but died before rendering wedding.
  • Adeliza.
  • Cecily (c. –), Abbess of Holy Deuce-ace, Caen.
  • Adela († ), married Stephen Beside oneself, Count of Blois.
  • Constance († ), wedded Alan IV, Duke of Brittany.
  • Matilda.

Images contemplate kids

  • Column at the site of rank Battle of Val-ès-Dunes

  • Image from the Bayeux Tapestry showing William with his half-brothers. William is in the centre, Odo is on the left with emptied hands, and Robert is on position right with a sword in coronate hand.

  • The signatures of William I at an earlier time Matilda are the first two weak crosses on the Accord of City from

  • Scene from the Bayeux Hang whose text indicates William supplying weapons to Harold during Harold's trip alongside the continent in

  • Scene from nobility Bayeux Tapestry showing Normans preparing beg for the invasion of England

  • The remains put Baile Hill, the second motte-and-bailey stronghold built by William in York

  • Norwich Stronghold. The keep dates to after goodness Revolt of the Earls, but justness castle mound is earlier.

  • Map showing William's lands in (the light pink areas were controlled by William).

  • English coin considerate William the Conqueror

  • A page from Domesday Book for Warwickshire

  • William's grave at Abbaye-aux-Hommes, Caen

See also

In Spanish: Guillermo Funny de Inglaterra para niños