William the Conqueror's life was marked by triumph and ambition. Orphaned and born illegitimately, his early years were filled with turmoil as rival Norman nobles sought control over him. Despite these challenges, William secured his rule over Normandy. By the 1050s, William was a contender for the English throne, held by his cousin, Edward the Confessor. After Edward's death in January 1066, Harold Godwinson claimed the crown, but William argued it had been promised to him. In September 1066, William invaded England, defeating Harold at the Battle of Hastings and was crowned King of England on Christmas Day. William's reign saw rebellions, notably by Edgar Ætheling. William's response was brutal, as seen in the Harrying of the North, where villages were razed and many died. Chronicler Orderic Vitalis commented on the massacre, stating, “I can say nothing good about this brutal slaughter. God will punish him.” Dissent persisted as Norman earls criticized his harsh rule. His son, Robert Curthose, also rebelled but was later forgiven and given Normandy, while William Rufus inherited England. William's reign included the monumental Domesday Book, a survey of England’s assets and taxes, highlighting his administrative achievements. As a warrior, William was unmatched. The Anglo-Saxon Chronicle stated, “King William was a man of great wisdom and formidable power.” This episode details his story, from his ancestry to his legacy. 00:00: Introduction03:38: Ancestry04:28: Early Life & turmoil05:54: Battle of Val-ès-Dunes08:11: The Duke of Normandy11:26: English crown succession crisis18:05: The Battle of Hastings22:57: The Norman Conquest33:16: The Harrying of the North37:00: Revolt of the Earls41:01: William's Eldest son Robert Curthose rebels47:51: The Domesday Book49:17: William prepares for a Viking invasion51:10: Final Battle, Death & the succession53:35: Legacy #WilliamtheConqueror #BattleofHastings #NormanConquest #Englishthrone #HaroldGodwinson #EdwardtheConfessor #DomesdayBook #Anglo-SaxonChronicle #medievalhistory See show notes: https://inlet.fm/history-profiles/episodes/68c0e9b38dac52b4e4d0223e Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices