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William the Conqueror's rise from Duke of Normandy to King of England is a tale of battle, strategy, and governance. Born in 1028, he overcame his illegitimacy to rule Normandy and later England after his victory at the Battle of Hastings in 1066. His reign saw the introduction of Norman customs, the reformation of the Church, and the creation of the Domesday Book, a detailed land survey. His death in 1087 led to the division of his territories between his sons.
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William was born illegitimate but succeeded his father as Duke of Normandy in 1035
Battle of Val-ès-Dunes
With the help of King Henry I of France, William defeated a major rebellion at the Battle of Val-ès-Dunes in 1047
Through political maneuvers and military campaigns, William solidified his authority in Normandy and strengthened his position through his marriage to Matilda of Flanders in 1053
William's claim to the English throne was based on his relationship with his first cousin once removed, King Edward the Confessor
After King Edward's death and Harold Godwinson's coronation, William launched an invasion of England to enforce his claim to the throne
William's victory at the Battle of Hastings on October 14, 1066, led to his coronation as King of England and the beginning of Norman rule in England
William systematically suppressed rebellions, such as the Revolt of the Earls in 1075, to secure his control over England
William restructured the English aristocracy and introduced Norman customs, replacing Anglo-Saxon nobles with Norman ones
William appointed Norman bishops and abbots, reforming the Church in England
In 1086, William ordered the creation of the Domesday Book, an extensive survey of England's lands and resources
William's final years were marked by familial discord, particularly with his eldest son Robert Curthose
William faced challenges to his authority in Normandy, leading to the division of his territories after his death in 1087
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William's main ally in quelling Norman rebellions
King Henry I of France assisted William in suppressing the Norman aristocracy's revolts.
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Significance of Battle of Val-ès-Dunes, 1047
William defeated the rebels, consolidating his power as Duke of Normandy.
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Political advantage of William's marriage to Matilda of Flanders
Matilda's alliance brought William additional power and legitimacy within the European nobility.
