For centuries, there have been many figures in England’s history that contributed to the foundation of the modern territory. Whether small or large influence, each figure gains proper recognition and celebration for its success in overcoming past hurdles.
This week, we unveil the legend of William the Conquer: A Norman Icon who defied all odds and changed a culture. In addition, there comes a clearer understanding of his role in the formation of the beloved country many admire today.
William the Conquers Origins
To begin, William the Conquer’s arrival to the world began between the years 1027 and 1028. Although the proper date remains to become known, his birthdate is believed to take place near the end of 1028.
Regarding his parents, the future Norman king’s predecessors become recognized as Herleva and Robert I (Duke of Normandy). Although conceived out of wedlock, William still found himself in line for succession to take on his father’s role someday.
To illustrate, William’s father Robert I, and his brother Richard III constantly lived through competitive tension. Moreover, the crown and question of who would rule next resulted in Richard III’s death.
As controversial this event played, there never came any clear resolution on what occurred concerning this event. Aside from this, by 1031, Robert I gained enough support from fellow noblemen who played large roles in William’s life.
This event proved stable as Robert I lost his life during his journey coming back from Jerusalem in 1035. In summary, these early events in the young king’s life paved the way for his prominence as Normans swore allegiance.
Distance and Shifts to Normandy’s Order
Moreover, with the deaths of his uncle and father, the young Duke soon to be king begins to face obstacles. While he received extended paternal support from great-uncle Archbishop Robert and King Henry I of France, William remained under protection.
Indeed, this became comforting for a young boy, but this soon changes in the Spring of 1037. Furthermore, the death of Archbishop Robert proved to be fatal for the young king’s stability as Normandy fell into upheaval.
For the next ten years, this Northern French region fell into anarchy. With this at hand, the young Duke/King became accompanied by a series of guardians.
Without a doubt, this period displayed constant violence and near-death experiences for the future heir. For example, a guardian by the name of Osbern became murdered near a room where the young Duke slept.
As a result of all these risky and deadly encounters, William found himself moving from different homes in and out of Normandy. Moreover, he finally finds his place by becoming raised by three cousins who play large roles in his future.
In turn, William the conquer’s homeland’s dire situation provided many means for his succession.
Additional Shifts of the Duke/King
To add, many other nobles from Normandy continued to rage their wars with one another. While this continued to overtake the land, those loyal to William’s lineage never stopped showing support.
For example, King Henry saved the young duke during a siege in Valognes as he narrowly escaped through the dark. In addition, he also allowed the future successor to seek refuge under his wing.
By 1047, William and King Henry return to their birth territory and gain the upper hand under his influence. To illustrate, the Battle of Val-es-Dunes proves to become a success of his efforts with the help of Henry’s army.
With this at hand, William finally takes power in his native Normandy. While the region begins to gain some stability after a decade of chaos, few further violence to gain control proceeds.
In essence, things began to take positive shifts for William the Conquer and his people.
Unfair Feuds for Power
Furthermore, as the Duke of Normandy took control of his ancestral land, he continues to expand his power. One can see this example when Geoffrey Martel became drove out of the late Hugh of Maines County.
This resulted in William attaining the Belleme’s family refuges of Domfront and Alencon. Indeed, these events highlight only the surface of the Norman Duke’s prowess.
By 1052, Geoffrey Martel returns by acquainting King Henry and Norman nobles to oppose William growing power. Ironically the current King who helped the aspiring William found himself on the opposite end to limit his growing influence.
Soon after, the Duke of Normandy found himself participating in military conflict against his people. By the winter of 1054, King Henry and other rebels of Normandy followed through with an invasion of the territory.
In brief, the Duke of Normandy’s test of character became put into the spotlight.
Making of a King
In addition to the Aspiring Duke’s influence becoming challenged by a former ally and loyal nobles, many developments take place. Moreover, by heeding the oncoming threats, William divides his supporters into two separate groups.
Interestingly the second group fighting under his name became recognized for hosting his three cousins that raised him. As a result of his careful approach to this matter, the duke’s army succeeds in repelling the opposing forces.
This marked another turning point for the future king as his genius and admirable leadership began to become recognized further. While Normandy stayed under William’s control, King Henry and Geoffrey resurfaced with counterattacks that never succeeded.
To add, the year 1057 becomes noted for being the last Norman invasion experienced during William’s lifetime. Altogether, the aspiring duke’s influence became centralized as the deaths of King Henry and Geoffrey occurred in 1060.
Norman Territory
Moreover, with the powers of the duchy falling to the duke, the region of Normandy begins to evolve and flourish. The government under William’s influence became met with main positivity as there was not any major difference from predecessor examples.
For instance, an administrative system became created and recognized for its group of officers like stewards, marshals, and butlers. Furthermore, the income of the region becomes derived from ducal lands, local taxes, and tolls.
Along with this at hand, the duke established healthy relations with the church as he partook in councils. The last detail of Normandy changes under the Williams rule is the duke himself giving generous donations to the church.
For example, twenty new monastic homes became founded throughout the territory which highlighted the growth of religion in everyday life. On balance, Normandy began to witness a period of peace and growth under William’s reign.
Off to England
Equally important, come the seeds of ambition that ignited the historic events of William setting sail to conquer England. Going back to 1051, the heirless King Edward of England chooses William of Normandy as his successor due to relation.
To illustrate, William became recognized as the grandson of Edwards’s maternal uncle Richard II of Normandy. While relations between the English monarchy and Earldom turned sour, Earl Godwin takes control amidst trouble in Normandy.
By 1053, Harold (Earl’s Son) takes his role after death. His brothers soon follow suit as they earn earl titles in different regions of England.
Although much detail remains unclear on what occurred, English sources illustrate Harold becoming elected King by clergy magnates.
In the winter of 1066, Harold becomes crowned in Westminster Abbey to a few dismays. As shown above, many confusions, ambition, and competition begin to unfold for the English throne.
Continued Norman Journey to England
Furthermore, with Harold becoming crowned King of England, many other outside successors battle for the title. To illustrate, King Harald Hardrada of Norway claim the throne as he is the uncle of King Magnus I.
Moreover, an apparent pact became created in 1040 that if any heirs die without successors, he will succeed the title. On the other hand, the last person to claim the crown became William the Conquer.
To add, his argument derives from him sending out an embassy to King Harold Godwinson to remind him of support. While this event remains to be unclear as there is no proper documentation supporting the claim, tensions rise.
To illustrate, King Harold gathers an army/fleet to keep William’s forces at bay as troops surround the English Channel. With these actions at hand, the Duke gains the consent of the Pope and leaves the leadership roles to his wife.
To sum up, the Norman King prepared his army to set sail to claim England and his promised throne.
The Battle of Hastings
In the Autumn of 1066, William the Conquers army partook in their infamous Battle of Hastings. The quarrel became believed to begin around the morning hours and last a duration until the sunset.
Although crucial events become met with obscurity, there is the belief that the duke led his army aggressively towards Harold’s castle. Moreover, with Harold taking refuge at the tip of Hastings Castle, violence begins to unfold between the two parties.
Scenes of archer’s arrows making their way into the battlefield unfold while English soldiers create shielded walls. Along with this Williams Breton allies panic and flee into open ground where the English pursue but die under Norman hands.
Amidst the chaos, England’s King Harold dies from an eye injury caused by flying arrows. After this, Normandy claims victory as Harold, his brothers, and a majority of his army become defeated.
Interestingly, Harold’s mother Gytha offered the Duke gold in exchange for his body, but he refused. To add, William ordered Harold’s body to be dumped into the sea, but some claims report him becoming burned secretly.
Fall of Anglo-Saxon England and Rise of a King
Moreover, after this epic turn of events, the Duke of Normandy, and his army face minor defiance. One can see this as the English clergy voted for Edgar the Aetheling to be king.
After some time, William and his team gained control of regions like Kent, Dover, and Canterbury while also securing Winchester. By November of that same year, he marched along the Thames River burning most things until gaining total control.
As they reached Berkhamsted, Edgar and other native figures accepted William’s presence as the new ruler. By Christmas, the Duke of Normandy becomes officially crowned as King in Westminster Abbey.
Furthermore, he orders his men to build a new castle in the capital of London to promote further security of his victory. After all his struggles, near-death experiences, and ambitions, William the Conquer realizes the greatest chapter of his life.
Influence of Norman Culture in England
Besides the adrenaline-enticing events that occurred during the Duke of Normandy’s life, comes the everlasting influence of his culture. While modern-day England becomes met with admiration and positive support by the rest of the globe, its culture shines.
To illustrate, Normandy’s influence on the Norman dialect and Latin language aided in creating the English most Brits speak today. One can find this example in the loan words like Pardon, Toodaloo, via, in memoriam, etc., and many more!
Another mark of Normandy’s presence in England is the construction of The Tower of London. In addition to this landmark, there comes a gripping legend concerning the crown that warns of the crown’s possible demise.
One can see this well-known story illustrates if a Raven becomes lost or flies away from the tower, everything collapses. In all, the culture of Normandy introduced by William provides deep insight as the nation of England develops in character.
Final Thoughts of William the Conquer
Finally arrives the last thoughts and reflections of the legendary tale of the duke turned King. As we have witnessed many ups and downs in this figure’s life, history preserves him for his greatness.
William’s example paves an exciting and admirable rendition to reflect on because he perfectly emulates poise and capability. Indeed, many have underestimated him in his past due to carrying certain titles, but he proves them all wrong.
In modern times, William becomes a figure and catalyst to modern England’s monarchy as all royals find lineage to him. Without a doubt, there are many things to learn from this story.
In essence, his job is done as many other figures in England became motivated to create their legacies.
Significance of the Norman Icon in English History
In conclusion, from small to large influences, William the Norman King gains proper recognition and celebration for his success. While England continues to evolve with the waves of time, its history continues to fascinate and move others positively.
From a small region in the North of France to an entire country in the British Isles, this territory shines. This tale becomes worth celebrating because it shaped everything English and other Brits know today.
As the duke states “Life yields only to be a conquer. Never accept what can be gained by giving in”.
Works Cited:
Tower of London Legends: Ravens, Ghosts and Cursed Jewellery – #FolkloreThursday
List of English words with dual French and Anglo-Saxon variations – Wikipedia
Words That Have Anglo Norman Origins – You Go Words!
Top 11 Interesting Facts about William the Conqueror – Discover Walks Blog
