William I of Normandy was born around the year 1028 A.D and died at the year 1087 A.D.
William of Normandy originally not part of the English royalty, nor was he related to any of the English. However he earned his rights to be king of England when he invaded England with soldiers from the Normandy, Fleming, Breton, and the Frenchmen to assist against their king, King Harold Godwinson at the Battle of Hastings in 1066 A.D.Throughout the English History, this would turn out to be one of the most important events in the history of England. He also brought in the Norman-French culture into England. However, he did encourage on feudalism which was known to completely destroy the idea of education. At this time, the Dark Ages, or the Middle Ages, was the most drastic period of human history. This was because education was held back fro more than 400 years now, and throughout those 400 years, we would've advanced in technology and have more better understanding of who we are as humans, and many more concepts that we all are curious and are eager to know about.
The Fight for the Crown of England
After the death of the English King Edward the Confessor, three competitors came to compete to take the throne of the childless king and rule over England, which was very power in military as well as having connections to the world through political and trading. William of Normandy, Harold Godwinson the powerful Earl of Wessex; and the Viking King Harald III of Norway, who was also known as Harald Hardrada. However, out of these three, William I of Normandy had the most chance and probability of receiving the throne. First, was because of his blood relations with the past king, Edward. He was related to him through his great Aunt, the mother of Edward the Confessor. William I also met with Edward when he was sent into exile to Normandy. There in Normandy, the two bonded with each other with him saving Edward's life in a shipwreck, and Edward pledging a loyalty to him after being knighted by William I, himself. Edward the Confessor also promised him that he would pass down his crown to William I after they met in London.
Invasion of England against Harold Godwinson and Other Intruders
William the I was now up against Harold Godwinson the Earl of Wessex because both of them were trying to reach the same goal, invade England and take the throne for themselves. Now, William I needed to gain support from many powerful people including Pope Alexander II who gave him a consecrated banner. He used methods and forms of bribing by promising his supporters land and riches in England that awaited them. William I of Normandy, massed up a fleet of ships called the "Dives-sur-Mer" and also hired many mercenaries. Besides his home army from Normandy, he gathered and massed allies and mercenaries from Brittany, north-eastern France and Flanders, together with soldiers from parts of France and from the Norman colonies in southern Italy.
Harold Godwinson would gather an large army in England, and call out for his fleet of ships to block against William I of Normandy, who was planning on docking and invading England through the English Channel. However there were problems throughout assembling this army. Because of there were so many troops to feed and shelter, supplies would plummet down very quickly and would drastically be gone within a couple of months, perhaps weeks. Also, to make things worse, William I of Normandy would be delaying his attack at his time because he was stuck in sea, and was trying to make it out of it so that he could find a safer route for him to invade England. Harold had no choice but to release most of his men when food and supplies were low, which left the English Channel unprotected by a powerful force.
Other ruler named Harald III of Normandy would arise to the scene with his ally, Tostig Godwinson, who were both interested in the crown of England. Together they would arise against Harold and attempt to invade. However this failed, when Harold Godwinson already approached them with his army, who gathered again, and set off on a four-day march to oppress Harald III of Normandy. Harold Godwinson was the victor.
Battle of Hastings 1066 A.D
Upon defeating Harald III of Normandy and Tostig Godwinson, Harold Godwinson marched back on his way to England to face against William I of Normandy. William I of Normandy built a fort in Hastings particularly because of its location. The location was surrounded by marshes which would be hard for a large army to get across and attack properly. When William I of Normandy heard of Harold Godwinson approaching towards his direction, he left his fort and advanced forward with his army and met with Harold, 7 miles from Hastings. The battle lasted nearly the entire day, but eventually William I of Normandy became the winner after killing Harold Godwinson. Both of Godwinson's brothers who bravely fought alongside with him died as well, and the remaining few English soldiers that had survived all fled for their lives making the battle, surely a Norman victory.
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