King William II

Biography of King William II, Rufus. 1087 – 1100

William Rufus, also known as King William II, was born in Normandy, France in the year 1056. He was the third son of the famous William the Conqueror and his wife, Matilda of Flanders. William Rufus became king of England in 1087 after his father’s death.

William Rufus was not a popular king, and many people found him arrogant, cruel, and selfish. Despite this, he was known for his military prowess and his ability to handle the English nobility. William Rufus was also known for his love of hunting and spent much of his time in the forests, where he would hunt deer and wild boar.

William Rufus was a controversial figure in English history. He was known for his harsh treatment of the English people, and his reign was marked by violence and instability. William Rufus was a fierce warrior, and he spent much of his reign fighting wars in Normandy and Wales.

One of the most significant events of William Rufus’s reign was the revolt of the Earls in 1088. The Earls were a group of English nobles who were unhappy with William Rufus’s rule and decided to rebel against him. The revolt was put down, but it left William Rufus deeply suspicious of the English nobility, and he spent the rest of his reign trying to keep them under control.

William Rufus was also known for his difficult relationship with the church. He clashed with Archbishop Anselm of Canterbury over the issue of lay investiture, which was the practice of secular rulers appointing church officials. William Rufus believed that he had the right to appoint bishops and other church officials, while Anselm believed that this was the prerogative of the church. The conflict between the two men was never fully resolved, and it remained a source of tension throughout William Rufus’s reign.

Despite his unpopularity, William Rufus managed to hold onto power until his death in 1100. He died in a hunting accident in the New Forest, and his death remains shrouded in mystery. Some historians believe that he was assassinated, while others think that his death was simply a tragic accident.

William Rufus was succeeded by his younger brother, Henry I, who managed to consolidate his power and become one of England’s most successful kings. Henry I’s reign was marked by stability and prosperity, which stood in stark contrast to the turbulence and violence of William Rufus’s reign.

In conclusion, King William Rufus was a controversial figure in English history. He was a fierce warrior and an able administrator, but he was also known for his harsh treatment of the English people and his difficult relationship with the church. Despite his unpopularity, William Rufus managed to hold onto power until his death in 1100, leaving behind a legacy of violence and instability that was eventually overcome by his younger brother, Henry I.