William the Conqueror
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William the Conqueror, sometimes called William the Bastard, was the first Norman king of England, reigning from 1066 until his death. A descendant of Rollo, he was Duke of Normandy from 1035 onward.
William is depicted in the Bayeux Tapestry during the Battle of Hastings, lifting his helmet to show that he is still alive.
Château de Falaise in Falaise, Lower Normandy, France; William was born in an earlier building here.
Column at the site of the Battle of Val-ès-Dunes in 1047
Image from the Bayeux Tapestry showing William with his half-brothers. William is in the centre, Odo is on the left with empty hands, and Robert is on the right with a sword in his hand.
William II of England
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William II was King of England from 26 September 1087 until his death in 1100, with powers over Normandy and influence in Scotland. He was less successful in extending his control into Wales. The thir
William the Conqueror
…to administer each part separately. His lands were divided after his death: Normandy went to Robert, and England went to his second surviving son, William Rufus. Norsemen first began raiding in what became Normandy in the late 8th century. Permanent Scandinavian settlement occurred before 911, when Rollo, one…
Engraving of the Great Seal of William II
Silver penny of William II showing a crowned head facing forward (1089), Yorkshire Museum, York
William's death from Doyle's English history (1864)
William's death from Ridpath's world history (1895)