Changes

He died in a battle in Normandy in 1087, and his body was so fat that his coffin burst during his funeral ceremony. He appointed his second and favourite son [[William Rufus]] as king of England in his place, leaving Normandy to his eldest son Robert.

He died in a battle in Normandy in 1087, and his body was so fat that his coffin burst during his funeral ceremony. He appointed his second and favourite son [[William Rufus]] as king of England in his place, leaving Normandy to his eldest son Robert.

==Early Life==

==Early life==

William was the illegitimate son of Robert I, Duke of Normandy.  For this reason, he was called William the Bastard by his contemporaries.  William's father died in 1035 when he was seven years old.  William was declared his heir, with his great uncle serving as regent.  William assumed more control of the government in 1042 when he put down a series of rebellions.  In 1053, William married Matilda, the daughter of Count Baldwin of [[Flanders]].

William was the illegitimate son of Robert I, Duke of Normandy.  For this reason, he was called William the Bastard by his contemporaries.  William's father died in 1035 when he was seven years old.  William was declared his heir, with his great uncle serving as regent.  William assumed more control of the government in 1042 when he put down a series of rebellions.  In 1053, William married Matilda, the daughter of Count Baldwin of [[Flanders]].

==See Also==

==See also==

* [[Norman Conquest]]

* [[Norman Conquest]]