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King William invaded England from Norway and defeated King Harold at the Battle of Hastings. In 1085 the Domesday Survey was begun and all England was recorded so William knew exactly what his new kingdom contained. The Domesday Book was, in effect, the first national census.
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Son of William I. He was called William Rufus or William the Red because of the reddish colour of his hair and complexion. He was killed in the New Forest by a stray arrow while out hunting, maybe accidentally, there is some doubt about this. The Rufus Stone in The New Forest marks the spot where he fell.
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The fourth and youngest son of William I. Henry's two sons were drowned so his daughter Matilda was made his successor. When Henry died the Council considered a woman unfit to rule so offered the throne to Stephen, a grandson of William I.
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Third and eldest surviving son of Henry II. He was in England for only ten months, spending the other time fighting in the *Crusades. He spoke very little English.
He is usually depicted as a brave, warrior king, and was given the nickname 'Lionheart'.Richard had no children, so the next king was his brother John. -
Daughter of Henry VIII and Katharine of Aragón.
Married Philip II of Spain. Wanted to make England Catholic again. Killed many who opposed her which is why she is remembered as Bloody Mary. -
Fourth child of Henry II and brother of Richard l.
Responsible for the Magna Carta (Great Charter) giving justice to all.