William I: Quick Facts

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The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Also Known As	Guillaume le Bâtard • William the Conqueror • Guillaume le Conquérant • William the Bastard • Guillaume de Normandie • William of Normandy
Born	c.1028 • Falaise • France
Died	September 9, 1087 • Rouen • France
Title / Office	king (1066-1087), England • duke (1035-1087), Normandy
House / Dynasty	house of Normandy
Notable Family Members	spouse Matilda of Flanders • father Robert I • daughter Adela • son William II • son Robert II • son Henry I
Role In	Battle of Hastings • Norman Conquest

It is estimated that one quarter of the English population is descended from William I, including every monarch of England following him.
William I would punish anyone who made a derogatory comment towards his mother by chopping off their hands and feet.
Following his death in 1087, the body of William I exploded as priests exerted pressure on his stomach to fit him into his coffin.