The Children of Adam and Eve

He extended his power into Normandy and Scotland. His father on his
Deathbed named him as his successor in England, leaving the duchy of
Normandy to his eldest son, Robert. William Rufus, as he was known because
of his ruddy complexion, was crowned in Westminster Abbey in 1087. The
following year William's uncle Odo, Bishop of Bayeux (1036?-97), led a
rebellion of Norman barons who sought to unseat him in favor of Robert.
William's English subjects, believing his promises of less oppressive
taxation and More liberal Laws, helped him quell the revolt. The king,
despite his promises, continued to pursue a domestic policy that was harsh
and venal.

William invaded Normandy in 1089, 1091, and 1094, Winning some concessions
from his Brother Robert II, duke of Normandy, each time. He forced the
Scottish king Malcolm III MacDuncan (1031?-93) to pay him homage and in
1092 seized the city of Carlisle and other areas claimed by Malcolm in
Cumberland and Westmorland. In 1096 Robert mortGaged Normandy to William
for funds to finance a Crusade. William then fought to recapture lands his
Brother had lost as duke of Normandy and returned the county of Maine to
the rule of the duchy.

After the Death in 1089 of Lanfranc, the Archbishop of Canterbury, William
delayed naming a successor. He held open vacant Bishoprics and enRiched
himself with Church monies, incurring the displeasure of many
ecclesiastics. In 1093 he selected Anselm, abbot of Bec, as the new
Archbishop, but they quarreled over William's authority to control Church
appointments.

William was killed. It is not known whether the slaying, which is
traditionally ascribed to a Norman named Walter Tirel (died after 1100),
was accidental or intentional. William never married and had no Children.
His Younger Brother succeeded to the throne as King Henry I.