The life of William of Normandy
William was born in 1028 CE in Falaise, Normandy which is now a part of modern France. He was the illegitimate son of Robert I, Duke of Normandy and cousin to King Edward I on his father's side. When Robert I died, William was recognised as his heir and became Duke of Normandy at the age of seven or eight years old.
To begin with, William was very unpopular with the Norman aristocracy who did not accept an illegitimate son as their superior. William survived many assassination attempts by those aristocrats hostile to his reign and several of his guardians were murdered but eventually he reached a consensus with his enemies and, in his early twenties, after a crushing defeat of the rebels at Val-es-Dunes, William began to govern Normandy on his own.
Many historians argue that the hostility directed towards William during his early years was a formative influence on his life, making him a hard and ruthless ruler. He became a successful military and political leader with many powerful supporters including bishops and abbots who were impressed by his military skill and ability to govern. William married Matilda of Flanders, grand-daughter of King Robert II of France, gaining even more political power.
In 1051, William visited his cousin Edward the Confessor, King of England. When he returned he claimed that he had been promised the kingship of England by Edward who had no heirs of his own. However, there were others who also believed they were Edward's chosen successor, including Harold Godwinson, son of the powerful Earl of Essex and nephew of Edward's queen, Edith.
In 1064, Harold Godwinson was on board a ship that sank on the coat of Ponthieu. Harold was captured by Count Guy of Ponthieu and taken into custody. When William heard the news he demanded that Harold was handed over to him. In return for freeing him, Harold took an oath that said that when King Edward the Confessor died, he would do all he could to make William King. He also married one of Williams daughters and in return William promised him half of England. William's claim to the English throne appeared strong.
To begin with, William was very unpopular with the Norman aristocracy who did not accept an illegitimate son as their superior. William survived many assassination attempts by those aristocrats hostile to his reign and several of his guardians were murdered but eventually he reached a consensus with his enemies and, in his early twenties, after a crushing defeat of the rebels at Val-es-Dunes, William began to govern Normandy on his own.
Many historians argue that the hostility directed towards William during his early years was a formative influence on his life, making him a hard and ruthless ruler. He became a successful military and political leader with many powerful supporters including bishops and abbots who were impressed by his military skill and ability to govern. William married Matilda of Flanders, grand-daughter of King Robert II of France, gaining even more political power.
In 1051, William visited his cousin Edward the Confessor, King of England. When he returned he claimed that he had been promised the kingship of England by Edward who had no heirs of his own. However, there were others who also believed they were Edward's chosen successor, including Harold Godwinson, son of the powerful Earl of Essex and nephew of Edward's queen, Edith.
In 1064, Harold Godwinson was on board a ship that sank on the coat of Ponthieu. Harold was captured by Count Guy of Ponthieu and taken into custody. When William heard the news he demanded that Harold was handed over to him. In return for freeing him, Harold took an oath that said that when King Edward the Confessor died, he would do all he could to make William King. He also married one of Williams daughters and in return William promised him half of England. William's claim to the English throne appeared strong.