William II was the son of William the Conqueror, known as William Rufus (the Red), who inherited the throne of England upon his father’s death in 1087. His older brother was given the lesser prize of Normandy, which led to understandable ill feelings between the siblings. In 1091, William invaded Normandy, and his brother reluctantly agreed to give him huge holdings there, solidifying William’s superior position. He was not at all popular with the Church, feeling it his right to raid their coffers when he needed money. In general, William was not a popular ruler. He died of an arrow wound inflicted by Walter Tirel during a hunting party – some say it was an accident; some say that Tirel was operating on behalf of William’s younger brother, Henry, who now ascended to the throne, there being no marriage and no little Williams available. The controversy has never been settled, but Tirel did flee to France, never to return, while his son was allowed to keep his father’s properties in England. You be the judge.
