Skip Channel4 main Navigation
The Normans
William the Conqueror (1027-1087)Ruled 1066-1087
His claim to the throne succeeded at the Battle of Hastings, when Harold Godwinson was killed. William was crowned at Westminster on Christmas Day.
Find out more about William >>
William II Rufus (c1058-1100)
Ruled 1087-1100
William Rufus was the second son of William the Conqueror, who named him as his successor. Killed in a hunting 'accident'.
Find out more about William Rufus >>
Henry I (1068-1135)
Ruled 1100-1135
Took the throne when his brother, William Rufus, was killed in a hunting 'accident'. Supposedly died after eating a 'surfeit of lampreys'.
Find out more about Henry I >>
Stephen (c1096-1154)
Ruled 1135-1154
The last Norman king of England, Stephen was the grandson of William the Conqueror and nephew of Henry I, who became involved in a 14-year civil war over the succession with Henry's daughter Matilda. He eventually agreed to recognise Matilda's son (Henry II, as he became) as his heir in return for keeping the throne until his death.
Find out more about Stephen >>
