William I (The Conqueror) Flashcards
What was his childhood like?
William was born in 1028 in Falaise, Normandy. His father was the powerful Duke of Normandy, but his mother and father were not married, and therefore he was an illegitimate child. At seven years old, his father died on a pilgrimage to Jerusalem, making him duke at that age of seven.
Explain the Battle of Hastings
When King Edward of England died, he had promised his relative Duke William of Normandy his throne. However, the people of England didn’t want a foreigner as their ruler, so they put Harold Godwinson on the throne. William was angry, so he sent an army to Hastings to conquer England. His army even included 300 boys! King Harold’s army was not very strong, since a lot of them were fighting Vikings invaders. William was very clever. He observed the English army’s battle strategy, which was to fake retreat and attack, and also to attack from behind the soldiers, he learnt the strategies and used it against them. After nine hours, William had finally won, by killing Edward by an arrow.
Explain what changes occurred during William the Kings reign.
William ordered all the landowners in England to strengthen their castles. He also promised the English he wouldn’t change their laws. He just created a few more laws to help control lords who kept fighting over land. People in England thought that William was a great king. He also created a book called Doomsday.
