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William I the ConquerorKing of England (1066-1087)
Date of Birth: 01.01.1028
Country:  Great Britain |
Content:
- William the Conqueror: King of England (1066-1087)
- Claim to the English Throne
- Invasion of England and Battle of Hastings
- Establishment of Norman Rule
- Revolts and Suppression
- Dualistic Rule and Feudal System
- English Institutions as a Counterweight to Feudalism
- Relations with the Papacy
- Domesday Book and Death
William the Conqueror: King of England (1066-1087)
Early Life and Rise to PowerWilliam was born in 1027 as the illegitimate son of Robert II, Duke of Normandy. In 1033, Robert's pilgrimage to Palestine named William as his heir. After Robert's death in 1035, Norman barons rebelled against William's rule, but French King Henry I, as William's guardian, intervened to secure his throne.
William faced numerous challenges during his youth, including wars with neighboring counts and barons. He emerged victorious, extending Norman control over the County of Maine (1060). He also played a significant role in reforming the Norman church, working closely with Lanfranc, prior of the famed Bec Abbey.
Claim to the English Throne
In 1051, William visited his cousin, King Edward the Confessor of England. He later claimed that Edward had designated him as his heir during this meeting. However, such a designation lacked legal validity without the consent of the Witenagemot (English council).
Upon Edward's death in 1066, Harold Godwinson, Edward's brother-in-law, ascended to the throne. William disputed Harold's claim, citing Edward's alleged bequest, his kinship to Edward (his father was a nephew of Edward's mother, Emma), and Harold's own oath to support William's succession.
Invasion of England and Battle of Hastings
William received support from Pope Alexander II, who excommunicated Harold and ordered William to restore England's submission to the Holy See. With knights and soldiers from across Western Europe seeking adventure and wealth, William's army numbered around 60,000.
Landing on the English coast at Pevensey in 1066, William's forces engaged Harold's army at the Battle of Hastings. Harold's forces were defeated, and he was killed in battle.
Establishment of Norman Rule
William crowned himself King of England at Westminster Abbey, emphasizing his claim as Edward's successor rather than a conqueror. Harold's supporters were declared traitors and their lands confiscated and distributed to William's followers.
Initially, William made few major alterations to Anglo-Saxon laws, confirming London's privileges with a charter. Feeling confident in his authority, he left for Normandy in the spring.
Revolts and Suppression
William's absence sparked a series of revolts, fueled by Norman excesses. Angered Anglo-Saxons were aided by Welshmen and disgruntled Norman barons. William returned to restore order, constructing numerous castles to house Norman garrisons.
In 1068, a Danish invasion fanned the flames of rebellion across Western England. William placated the Danes with bribes and ruthlessly suppressed the uprising, devastating the land north of the River Humber.
Dualistic Rule and Feudal System
The Anglo-Saxon revolts shifted William's position, as he now ruled England not only as Alfred the Great's and Edward the Confessor's successor but also as a conqueror.
His governance reflected this duality, combining Anglo-Saxon institutions with Norman feudalism. The English feudal system established by the Norman Conquest differed significantly from its continental counterparts. While baronial holdings were vast, they were scattered, preventing the formation of large, contiguous estates.
William established sheriffdoms, royal officials appointed and directly responsible to the king, to administer counties. He also created palatinates (Cheshire, Durham, and Kent) but kept them in the hands of churchmen who could not bequeath their authority.
English Institutions as a Counterweight to Feudalism
Old English institutions helped balance the influence of feudalism. William strengthened the system of mutual responsibility (frankpledge) and preserved hundred and county courts. All vassals owed not only an oath to their lord but also to the king.
The church also served as a bulwark against feudalism. William deposed Archbishop Stigand of Canterbury, installing Lanfranc in his place. Norman prelates replaced most English bishops. However, the church's dependence on the king increased, as bishops took the feudal oath and royal vassals could not be excommunicated without royal consent.
Relations with the Papacy
William asserted his independence from Rome. Despite Pope Gregory VII's demand for a feudal oath, William proudly refused.
Domesday Book and Death
In 1086, William ordered a comprehensive survey of landholdings and their obligations, creating the Domesday Book. It remains a crucial source for understanding English society during his reign.
Before his death, William faced rebellion in Normandy, aided by neighboring French rulers. While surveying the burning ruins of the captured town of Mantes, William was unhorsed and fatally injured. He was transported to Rouen, where he died on September 7, 1087. His eldest son, Robert, inherited Normandy, while his second son, William, became King of England.
