William the Conqueror (1028 – 9 September 1087), sometimes called William the Bastard, was the first Norman king of England (as William I), reigning from 1066 until his death. A descendant of Rollo, he was Duke of Normandy (as William II) from 1035 onward. By 1060, following a long struggle, his hold on Normandy was secure. In 1066, following the death of Edward the Confessor, William invaded England, leading a Franco-Norman army to victory over the Anglo-Saxon forces of Harold Godwinson at the Battle of Hastings. He suppressed subsequent English revolts in what has become known as the Norman Conquest.
William the Conqueror's troops set sail from Normandy to invade England
William the Conqueror (1028 – 9 September 1087), sometimes called William the Bastard, was the first Norman king of England (as William I), reigning from 1066 until his death.
Historical Significance
William the Conqueror (1028 – 9 September 1087), sometimes called William the Bastard, was the first Norman king of England (as William I), reigning from 1066 until his death.
Key People
Events Before
Papal bull "In nomine Domini" (In the Name of the Lord) issued by Pope Nicholas II establishing popes elected by Bishops
Papal bull "In nomine Domini" (In the Name of the Lord) issued by Pope Nicholas II establishing popes elected by Bishops and Cardinals not appointed by their predecessor
Béla I is crowned King of Hungary in Székesfehérvár
Béla I the Boxer or the Wisent (Hungarian: I. Bajnok or Bölény Béla, Slovak: Belo I.; c. 1015 – 11 September 1063) was King of Hungary from 1060 until his death.
The body of the first bishop of Tournai, Saint Eleutherius of Tournai, is translated (moved)
The body of the first bishop of Tournai, Saint Eleutherius of Tournai, is translated (moved)
A new church devoted to St Peter the Apostle is founded and consecrated by Edward the Confessor in London, later called
A new church devoted to St Peter the Apostle is founded and consecrated by Edward the Confessor in London, later called Westminster Abbey. It is rebuilt in the Gothic style during the mid-13th century. [1]
Pilgrims under Bishop Gunther of Bamberg reach Jerusalem
Gunther (1025/1030 – 23 July 1065) was a German nobleman and prelate of the Holy Roman Empire.
Events After
Baldwin VI becomes Count of Flanders
Baldwin VI becomes Count of Flanders
Roquefort cheese created in a cave near Roquefort, France
Roquefort cheese created in a cave near Roquefort, France
Arnulf III the Hapless becomes Earl of Flanders
Arnulf III the Hapless becomes Earl of Flanders
Battle of Cassel; Robert I the Frisian defeats Arnulf III/I
Robert I (1035 – 13 October 1093), known as Robert the Frisian, was count of Flanders from 1071 until his death in 1093.
Bari falls to Robert Guiscard's Norman forces, ending Byzantine rule in Italy
Bari falls to Robert Guiscard's Norman forces, ending Byzantine rule in Italy
More from the 1060s
Battle of Stamford Bridge: English army under King Harold II defeats invading Norwegians led by King Harald Hardrada and
Battle of Stamford Bridge: English army under King Harold II defeats invading Norwegians led by King Harald Hardrada and Harold's brother Tostig, who are both killed
William the Conqueror, Duke of Normandy, lands at Pevensey Bay in Sussex, beginning the Norman Conquest of England
William the Conqueror, Duke of Normandy, lands at Pevensey Bay in Sussex, beginning the Norman Conquest of England
Battle of Hastings: William, Duke of Normandy and his Norman army defeat the English forces of Harold II, who is killed
Battle of Hastings: William, Duke of Normandy and his Norman army defeat the English forces of Harold II, who is killed in the battle
William the Conqueror is crowned King of England at Westminster Abbey, completing the Norman Conquest of England
William the Conqueror (1028 – 9 September 1087), sometimes called William the Bastard, was the first Norman king of England (as William I), reigning from 1066 until his death.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What happened on September 27, 1066?
- William the Conqueror (1028 – 9 September 1087), sometimes called William the Bastard, was the first Norman king of England (as William I), reigning from 1066 until his death. A descendant of Rollo, he was Duke of Normandy (as William II) from 1035 onward. By 1060, following a long struggle, his hold on Normandy was secure.
- Why is William the Conqueror's troops set sail from Normandy to invade England significant?
- William the Conqueror (1028 – 9 September 1087), sometimes called William the Bastard, was the first Norman king of England (as William I), reigning from 1066 until his death.
- Who was involved in William the Conqueror's troops set sail from Normandy to invade England?
- Key figures include William the Conqueror (King of England from 1066 to 1087).