William the Conqueror
David Bates
The definitive Yale English Monarchs life, rigorous, balanced, and deeply researched.
The World During Their Reign
The most notable rulers who held power elsewhere at the same time, from European courts to Ottoman, Mughal, and Chinese thrones.
Alfonso VI of León and Castile
Spain
1072–1087
Philip I of France
France
1066–1087
Malcolm III of Scotland
Scotland
1066–1087
Alexios I Komnenos
Rome
1081–1087
Emperor Shenzong of Song
China
1067–1085
Sancho II of León and Castile
Spain
1066–1072
Emperor Daozong of Liao
China
1066–1087
Henry IV
Holy Roman Empire
1084–1087
Blot-Sweyn
Sweden
1084–1087
Emperor Shirakawa
Japan
1073–1087
Konstantios Doukas
Rome
1066–1078
Michael VII Doukas
Rome
1067–1078
Pope Gregory VII
Papacy
1073–1085
Pope Alexander II
Papacy
1066–1073
Nikephoros III Botaneiates
Rome
1078–1081
Emperor Zhezong of Song
China
1085–1087
Emperor Go-Sanjō
Japan
1068–1073
Romanos IV Diogenes
Rome
1068–1071
Andronikos Doukas
Rome
1068–1070
Emperor Go-Reizei
Japan
1066–1068
Pope Victor III
Papacy
1086–1087
Anund Gårdske
Sweden
1070–1075
Halsten Stenkilsson
Sweden
1067–1070
Meanwhile in history
One “meanwhile in history” story each week: who ruled where, and what was happening on thrones across the world.
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Further Reading
Well-regarded biographies and histories to go deeper on William the Conqueror's life and times.
1066: The Year of the Conquest
David Howarth
A classic narrative of the Norman invasion, vivid, accessible, and still widely admired.
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