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William II (Rufus)

Type Figure Region England Time c. 1056–1100 Also known as William II、Rufus

King of England of the Norman dynasty, second son of the Conqueror, acceded in 1087.…

Timeline

  1. c. 1056–1087Normandy and England · NormandyWilliam was the second son of the Conqueror, nicknamed 'Rufus' for his red hair. His father granted Normandy to his eldest son Robert during his lifetime, while William inherited the English throne; the succession arrangements among the sons sowed future disputes.
  2. 1087–1090Westminster · LondonCrowned swiftly after his father's death in 1087, he suppressed baronial rebellions and reached a compromise with his brother Robert. He pursued harsh fiscal policies and left the see of Canterbury vacant for a long time after the death of Archbishop Lanfranc, provoking church discontent.
  3. 1091–1100England · EnglandFought repeatedly with King Malcolm III of Scotland and forced his submission, while also campaigning on the Welsh march. He died of an arrow while hunting in the New Forest on 2 August 1100, and his younger brother Henry I promptly seized the throne.

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