Because of his illegitimate birth (his parents weren’t married) many Norman noblemen sought to take control of Normandy and many tried to assassinate him as a boy. William was saved by several noblemen, including Count Gilbert of Brionne and Duke Alan of Brittany. King Henry the 1st of France was named William’s ward and looked after him from his palace in Poissy, France. When William was 20-years-old, he joined forces with King Henry and defeated his enemies at the Battle of Val-es-Dunes and officially became the Duke of Normandy.
William is known for building huge castles throughout England. He ended slavery and was the first English King to hold a coronation for his wife Matilda, who was King Henry’s niece. William was also known for what was called the “Harrying of the North.” Northern England rebelled against his rule, and therefore to suppress the rebellion he employed the Medieval tactic of pillaging farms to starve people into submission. While the North finally caved, the extent of the damage varies based on differing historian views.
William’s relationship with Raoul of Valois was one of friendship and competition. Both grew to become powerful men in France. At times they found themselves on opposite sides of the battlefield, but in the end, they remained friends and allies. So much so, Raoul’s son Simon was educated in William’s court, and at a time marriage was considered between Simon and one of William’s daughters. Raoul and William were friends to the end.
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AuthorAuthor and painter working on a historical fiction/fantasy middle grade book series, featuring young Count Raoul of Valois and his cousin, Walter. Explore Medieval history, mythology and folklore. Archives
July 2022
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