![]() In the middle of September, England was invaded by Harold Hardrada, King of Norway. Harold called up the Saxon militia of freemen, in preparation for William's imminent landing, while the William assembled his fleet and waited for good weather and winds to sail. After Harold was crowned, an ominous star was seen in the skies, this has now been identified as Halley's comet, many in that superstitious age saw it as an omen of God's wrath on King Harold and his followers. Because of Harolds oath on holy relics the Pope even supported William in his invasion of England. He began to build an army to take by force what he considered to be his kingdom by right. Harold was accepted as king by the council of elders, who normally elected the new kings.Īfter hearing this news William was outraged. He was said to have nominated Harold as his successor. Harold finally consented and swore the oath on holy relics, sealing Williams spot as King of England.Įdward the Confessor died in January, 1066. William required Harold to swear an oath to understand that he would become king after Edward’s death. Harold had been shipwrecked on the coast of Normandy, where he found himself the guest of Duke William. One person wanting the throne being Harold, the son of the Earl of Wessex. William was in a tough spot, for other’s wanted the throne of England also. The real heir to England was to young at the time and had spend much of his life in Hungary. During his visit, Edward was said to have told William he would become the King of England if he would die without issue. In 1051 William visited his cousin Edward the Confessor. They were an odd site he being 5 foot 10 and she just over four feet tall. ![]() William married Matilda in 1049, a descendant of the old Saxon House of Wessex. I have here no excuse whatever to offer, unless it be, as one has said, that of necessity he must fear many, whom many fear.” This he sought all opportunities of scraping together, he cared not how he would say and do some things and indeed almost anything, unbecoming to such great majesty, where the hope of money allured him. His anxiety for money is the only thing on which he can deservedly be blamed. Was of just stature, ordinary corpulence, fierce countenance his forehead was bare of hair of such great strength of arm that it was often a matter of surprise, that no one was able to draw his bow, which himself could bend when his horse was in full gallop he was majestic whether sitting or standing, although the protuberance of his belly deformed his royal person of excellent health so that he was never confined with any dangerous disorder, except at the last so given to the pleasures of the chase, that as I have before said, ejecting the inhabitants, he let a space of many miles grow desolate that, when at liberty from other avocations, he might there pursue his pleasures. He was inspirational to his followers, but could also be strict and punishing. William was a strong leader and very courageous. Slowly the rebels decreased and people started to realize that William was their ruler. ![]() William took his revenge by having their feet and hands amputated. ![]() Some rebels insulted his birth by hanging “hides for the tanner” over the walls. In 1047 William began to restore order and crush the rebels who stood in his way. William became a ruthless and sometimes cruel ruler because of his constant struggles for power. William's guardians were murdered in succession. People constantly rebelled during his rule, and he would have to learn quickly how to deal with them. Having no other heir, William took his place as Duke of Normandy. While returning home from his journey, he died suddenly. William’s father went on a pilgrimage in 1034 to release his sins. Robert was said to have caught sight of Herleve while she was washing her linens in the castle moat. He was the son of Robert the Duke of Normandy and Herleve, the daughter of a tanner in Falaise. William was born in 1028 at Falaise Castle. William gained power through his father and soon he climbed high enough to conquer England and become its new king. William I became known as William the Conqueror through his will and determination.
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