Welcome to the royal Genealogy information held at University of Hull .
William I the Conqueror, King of England

Born: 1028, Falaise,Normandy,France
Acceded: 25 DEC 1066, Westminster Abbey, London, England
Died: 9 SEP 1087, Hermentrube, Near Rouen, France
Interred: St Stephen Abbey,Caen,Normandy
Notes:
Reigned 1066-1087. Duke of Normandy 1035-1087. Invaded England defeated and
killed his rival Harold at the Battle of Hastings and became King. The Norman
conquest of England was completed by 1072 aided by the establishment of
feaudalism under which his followers were granted land in return for pledges
of service and loyalty. As King William was noted for his efficient if harsh
rule. His administration relied upon Norman and other foreign personnell
especially Lanfranc Archbishop of Canterbury. In 1085 started Domesday Book.
Father: Normandy, Robert II the Devil of, Duke of Normandy 6th, b. CIR 1008
Mother: , Herleva (Arlette), Officer of the Household, b. CIR 1012
Married 1053, Cathedral of Notre Dame d'Eu, Normandy to , Matilda of Flanders
Child 1: , Robert II Curthose, Duke of Normandy, b. 1054 Child 2: , Richard, Duke of Bernay, b. ABT 1055 Child 3: , Cecilia of Holy Trinity, Abbess of Caen, b. 1056 Child 4: , Adeliza, Nun, b. 1055 Child 5: , William II Rufus, King of England, b. 1056/60 Child 6: , Constance, b. ABT 1066 Child 7: , Adela, Countess of Blois, b. ABT 1067 Child 8: , Agatha, b. ABT 1064 Child 9: , Matilda Child 10: , Henry I Beauclerc, King of England, b. ABT SEP 1068

With his victory at the Battle of Hastings, William became known as William "the Conquerer." Prior to this, he was known as William "the Bastard" because he was the result of his father's affair with a tanner's daughter.
Before the battle, William vowed that if granted victory, he would build an Abbey on the battleground with its altar at the spot where Harold's standards stood. William was true to his word and Battle Abbey stands today at the site of the battle.
During the later years of his reign, Edward withdrew from many of his kingly responsibilities. Harold filled this void and became virtual ruler of England.
William was made Duke of Normandy at age seven. His ascension ignited a civil war lasting 12 years.