William of Normandy

William was Edward's first cousin's son. He had always said that Edward had promised him the crown of England. William claimed that Harold of Wessex had vowed to help him become King. As Duke of Normandy, William was used to ruling a large land.

William, the illegitimate son of Robert, Duke of Normandy and Herleva of Falaise, was born in 1027. Instead of marrying Herleva, Robert persuaded her to marry his friend, Herluin of Conteville. After marriage, Herleva had two more sons, Odo of Bayeux and Robert of Mortain.

In 1035, Robert of Normandy went on a pilgrimage. Before setting out on his trip Robert he forced his lords to swear fealty to William. Although William was illegitimate, he was Robert's only living son.

When Robert of Normandy died in 1035 William inherited his father's title. Several leading Normans, including Gilbert of Brionne, Osbern the Seneschal and Alan of Brittany, became William's guardians.

Kings Alfred The Great, King of Wessex athelstan King of the English Athelred II The Unready, King of the English canute King of England eadred King of the English eadwig King of the English Edgar I, King of the English Edmund I, King of the English Edmund II Ironside, King of the English Edward The Martyr, King of the English King Arthur King Edward the Confessor King Harold of Wessex King William I King William Rufus King Henry I King Stephen King Henry II King Richard I King John King Henry III King Edward I King Edward II King Edward III

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