William The Conqueror: Ruthless And Powerful Ruler Who Changed Britain Forever

A. Sutherland - AncientPages.com - Wilhelm I Conqueror, also known as "William the Bastard" (ca. 1028 -1087), was King of England and Duke of Normandy.

William was the son of Herleva and Robert I, Duke of Normandy, in what was then known as Francia. He was often referred to as a bastard by his opponents because his parents were not married. Herleva, his mother, was likely of Anglo-Saxon origin and not of noble birth.

Despite being the illegitimate son of Robert the Magnificent, also known as Robert the Devil, William was named his successor at the age of eight following his father's death in 1035. As William II (in French: Guillaume II), he became Duke of Normandy during a period of instability.

This is a preview of our premium article available only to members of Ancient Pages.

Become a member to read more -  Click here

If you are already a member and have logged in to your account, you can access the article here

See also: 

Bertrand du Guesclin: ‘Eagle Of Brittany’ Brave, French Commander And His Clash With Sir Thomas Of Canterbury

How Emma Of Normandy Risked Her Life To Save England

The Fierce Great Heathen Army And The Invasion Of East Anglia

More Premium Articles