Page:History of the Kings & Queens of England.pdf/2

 HISTORY

OF THE

KINGS & QUEENS OF ENGLAND.

WILLIAM THE CONQUEROR

Born 1024. Began to Reign Decem. 25, 1066. Died Septem. 9,1087 Reigned 21 Years

Was natural son of Robert, Duke of Normandy, and was called the Conqueror because he conquered Harold the Dauntless, and overthrew the Saxon dynasty in this country. He gave out that Edward the Confessor left him the crown of England by will, and determining to assert his right to it, landed in England with an army of 60,000 men, and gave battle at Hastings, where Harold was killed, and his army defeated, after which William became King of England. He was above eight feet high, strong built, and well proportioned.

Eminent men in this reign-Edwin and Morcar, Earls of Northumberland and Mercia: Stigand and Lanfrand, Archbishops of Canterbury ; Prince Edgar Atheling.