for the German emperor see [[Kaiser Wilhelm II]], for the Dutch king see [[William II (Netherlands)]]
'''William II (Rufus)''' (c. 1054/1060-2nd August 1100), King of [[England]], 1087-1100. Second son of [[William I]], The Conqueror, was granted the Crown of England at the deathbed of his father, while [[Robert Curthose]], the oldest son, became Duke of [[Normandy]]; decisions that caused resentment from Robert and much unrest amongst the barons who preferred a single ruler of both lands.
William Rufus had a busy reign that left no discernible lasting legacy. Within a year of his accession he had to put down a rebellion on behalf of Robert led by his uncle Odo, Bishop of [[Bayeux Tapestry|Bayeux]]. Two years later saw him invading [[Normandy]], with the aim of destabilizing his brother, whilst at the same time resecuring parts of the duchy in danger of being lost to barons. In 1091 he forced King [[Malcolm III]] of [[Scotland]] to swear homage, and captured the town of [[Carlisle]]. In 1094 he was back in Normandy, and managed to persuade Philip I of France to cease aiding Robert.