William II of England Biography

William II (Rufus) was the King of England from 1087 to 1100 who ascended the throne upon the death of his father, William I the Conqueror. Born in Normandy around 1056, William II or William Rufus, so named after his ruddy complexion, was the second surviving and the favorite son of William I. Upon his death in 1087, William I bequeathed his inheritance, the Dukedom of Normandy, to his eldest son, Robert Curthose and gave England to William Rufus. Shortly after inheriting the English throne, William II faced a baronial uprising to overthrow him in favor of his elder brother, Robert. But, with loyalty and support from most of the Englishmen, William II was able to defeat the rebellion and secure his authority. Afterwards, he laid claim to Normandy and waged war against Robert, and also seized lands from his younger brother, Henry. During his reign as the King of England, William II faced several revolts from kings and barons but soon crushed them viciously and emerged triumphant. Later, when Robert went on Crusade, he mortgaged Normandy to William II in return of money and thereafter, William II also ruled over Normandy as ‘de facto duke’ until his death. William Rufus was accidently killed while hunting in the forest, an incident which some believe to be an assassination plotted by his younger brother, Henry, who later seized the English throne.