Page:History of the Kings and Queens of England.pdf/3



WILLIAM I. William the Conqueror was the natural on of Robert, duke of Normandy, by Arlotte, a skinner's daughter. He was born at Falaise in 1026; succeeded his father as duke of Normandy, in 1035; and, after his victory Hastings, in Sussex, he was crowned king of England on he 14th October, 1066.

He was a prince of a all and portly stature, a robust constitution, and great strength that few then could bend his bow. He is allowed to have possessed great courage and capacity; but his dispositon was jealous and vindictive; and his deportment haughty and reserved. He died at Ronen, in Normandy, on the 9th of September, 87, in the 61st year of his age.

In this reign the English were obliged to put out their fire and candle every evening at the ringing of a bell called the curfew. Surnames were also first introduced, and the courts Exchequer and Chancery established.