for the German emperor see [[Kaiser Wilhelm II]], for the Dutch king see [[William II (Netherlands)]], for the Prince of Orange, see [[William II, Prince of Orange]]
{{Infobox officeholder|name=William II|image= |birth_date=c. 1056/1060|birth_place=[[Normandy]]|death_date=August 2, 1100|death_place=New Forest|religion=|spouse=|children=|alma_mater=|party=|office=King of England|term_start=September 9, 1087|term_end=August 2, 1100|preceded=[[William the Conqueror]]|succeeded=[[Henry I]]}}'''William II (Rufus)''' (c. 1054/1060 1058 - 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.