William the Conqueror

Born around 1028 (the exact year being lost to time), William began life as the illegitimate heir of Robert I, Duke of Normandy. After becoming Duke himself in 1035, he spent many years solidifying his claim and leadership, as members of the Norman aristocracy battled for control.

When Edward the Confessor – William's cousin – died in 1066, William expected to inherit the English throne by virtue of a promise made to him earlier by Edward. When Harold Godwinson instead took became King, William began his preparations for invasion, eventually leading to the infamous Battle of Hastings in 1066.

William the Conqueror's rule was difficult; the English nobility disliked the new Norman nobility he introduced, there was a near-constant threat of invasion by the Danish, and he had regular disputes with his eldest son Robert.

King William I died on September 9th, 1087. He left Normandy to Robert, and the English throne passed to his second son, King William II.