William II of England

Reign: 1087 – 1100
Life: 1060–1100

He was less successful in extending his control into Wales. The third son of William the Conqueror, he is commonly referred to as William Rufus (Rufus being Latin for "the Red"), perhaps because of his ruddy appearance or, more likely, because he had red hair. William was a figure of complex temperament, capable of both bellicosity and flamboyance. He did not marry or have children, which, along with contemporary accounts, has led some historians to speculate on his sexuality.

During William II of England's reign, Alfonso VI of León and Castile ruled Spain, Blot-Sweyn ruled Sweden, and Alexios I Komnenos ruled Rome.

Want to learn more? Further reading

William Rufus: The King and the Myth by Frank Barlow

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William Rufus: The King and the Myth

Frank Barlow

Barlow's definitive life of William II, the Red King who died in the New Forest.

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