| William the Conqueror - William the Conqueror dies September 9,
1087. |
As Duke of Normandy, William conquered England in 1066 and took the throne
as William the First. His taking the throne brought a long needed stability to the
turmoils of England. This stability, however, came at great expense to the people.
All land became Norman property forcing the English serfs into slavery. It was unwise to
rebell against the force and power of William I. Rebellions were very harshly dealt with
by the king. William devistated Yorkshire because of rebellion. By law all poachers had
their eyes gouged out. Those of Norfolk who rebelled against William's power had their
right foot cut off.
In early 1087 the French king sneered at the aging William and made fun of how fat he had
become. William declared war and besieged Mantes. He then rode out to view the burning
town. His horse trod upon a glowning ember fromthe town's rmains and threw William off.
Six weeks later, near Rouen, the obese unrecovered William died of his injuries.
William I was buried in Caen by a French knight. He was succeeded by William Rufus, his
second son.
Sources: | On This Day | Compton’s
Encyclopedia |