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William's picture William the Conqueror, King of Normandy, invaded England in 1066. After many long battles, he defeated King Harold of England, becoming the new King of England. He was a very effective king, and was a great leader in battle.
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William II
Just before his death, William the Conqueror decided that young William Rufus would be the heir to the throne rather than his older brother Robert Curthouse. -
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King Henry I
Following the freak death of his brother, William II Rufus, Henry used the fact that popular opinion was against his brother Robert Curthouse, and also that he was away, to gain the throne. Henry I was known as a good ruler. -
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King Stephen
Stephen broke his oath of allegiance to his cousin Matilda, who was the daughter of Henry I, and seized the throne after Henry died in December of 1135. He was very unpopular as King, one of the most despised in English history. He had many civil wars with Matilda over his 20 or so years as king. -
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King Henry II
Henry II, grandson of Henry I, was a very effective king. He was surrounded in controversy throughout parts of his reign. He fought for more authority over the church, which indirectly led to the death of his hand-picked Archbishop of Canterbury, Thomas Beckett. -
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King Richard I
King Richard I was a fairly well-liked King. He was known for his bravery in battle, earning him the nickname, The Lion-Hearted. He spent much of his time, effort, and England's money, fighting crusades on the mainland. He fittingly died in battle. -
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King John
King John was a very unliked King. The people were very unsatisfied with the way he ruled and the amount of money he wasted. He is very famous for signing the Magna Carta, which he was forced to sign in 1215, by his unhappy barons who wanted more power for themselves. -
