willi
...ty throughout the realm. “ A brave fighter, a good general, a superior administrator, he gave a reasonably well-ordered and peaceful government” (Adair,492). Perhaps William’s difficult childhood prepared him for the problems he would face as king. Confronted with animosity at age seven when he became Duke of Normandy, he was a born fighter. His father’s death during a pilgrimage to the Holy Land resulted in him becoming Duke of Normandy. It was also the start of several attempts by jealous relatives to take his life. Amazingly enough, William survived his arduous youth, although some people, who tried to protect him, did not. His enemies killed three guardians and tutors. A friend of his even inadvertently saved his life. He therefore lived through several homicide attempts that could easily have changed the history of England. Perhaps what William is most known for, however, is the Battle of Hastings. This entire incident began with a promise given to him in 1051 by King Edward stating that William could succeed him as King of England. However, on his deathbed, Edward and Earl Godwin made up for past grievances, and Edward proceeded to promise the English throne to Earl Godwin’s son, Harold. William, angered that his promise of the throne was not obliged, decided he would take England by force. On October 14, 1066, William and his army of 25,000 to 30,000 men defeated England in the Battle of Hastings. They then marched to London leaving a trail of devastation. Finally, on December 25, 1066, his goal was realized when he was crowned king. His many accomplishments as king can attest to this. Under his rule, Norman feudalism became prevalent througho...