William the Conqueror, king of England (d.1087)
- Biography
- William, known as William the Conqueror, was born in 1027/28 at Falaise, Normandy, to Robert (II) 'the Magnificent', duke of Normandy (d.1035), and Herleva (d.1055×), who had been married to Herluin de Conteville. Herleva and Herluin had at least two sons, Odo, bishop of Bayeux (d.1097) and Robert, count of Mortain (d.1095), and two daughters, Adelaide and Muriel, who were William?s half-siblings. Around 1050, William married Matilda of Flanders (d.1083), daughter of Baudouin (V), count of Flanders, and with her had at least four sons and five daughters: Robert Curthose, duke of Normandy (d. 1134); Richard (d.1069×75); William Rufus, future king (d.1100); Henry, future king (d.1135); Adelida (d.a.1113); Cecilia; Matilda; Constance; and Adela, countess of Blois (d.1137). There may have been another daughter, Agatha. William invaded England in 1066, defeated King Harold Godwineson at the Battle of Hastings (13 October) and was crowned king of England at Westminster Abbey on Christmas Day 1066. He died on 9 September 1087 at the prior of St Gervase outside Rouen and was buried in Caen at St Étienne Abbey, which he had founded. Having been estranged from his eldest son Robert for sometime, he was succeeded by his next surviving son, William Rufus. Robert would remain in Normandy and rule there.
http://www.oxforddnb.com/view/article/29448
- Related Place
- ENGLAND
- Family connections
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