William I is usually known as William the Conqueror, but also sports the unfortunate moniker of William the Bastard, being the illegitimate son of Robert, Duke of Normandy. Whatever his name, he is well known as the first Norman King of England, who reigned from the Norman conquest of England at the Battle of Hastings in 1066 until his death. When King Edward died in 1066, Harold, Earl of Wessex, was crowned king of England. William, who averred that Edward had promised the throne to him, with Harold’s cooperation, was furious, and invaded successfully, killing Harold in the battle. During his reign, he instituted the building of numerous castles and armaments, imposed law and order, stifled invasions from abroad and uprisings from within, and reorganized the Church. His reign was also notable for the 1086 Domesday Book, a massive survey and compilation of all of the property holdings in England. He and his wife, Matilda of Flanders, had nine children, and upon his death, Normandy went to his eldest son, Robert, while England went to his son, William. About that death – he sustained a fatal injury falling from horseback while engaging in battle with Philip I of France – because – apparently Philip had made a remark about William’s growing obesity, likening him to a pregnant woman. Vanity, thy name is not necessarily woman!
