William II Rufus

MedievalEmperorEngland1056 — 1100

Son of William the Conqueror, killed in a hunting accident.

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Quick Facts

Born

1056

Died

1100

Country

England

Era

Medieval

Occupation

Emperor

Score Overview

Military (10%)55

Political (20%)48

Influence (20%)50

Legacy (20%)42

Leadership (15%)64

Strategy (15%)45

Total Score49.8

William II Rufus — Complete Timeline

1087 AD

Coronation of William IIPolitical Action◆ Major

William was crowned king of England on September 26, 1087, after the death of his father William the Conqueror. He inherited the English throne while his brother Robert Curthose received Normandy.

CoronationSuccessionNorman Dynasty

Impact: national

1088 AD

Rebellion of 1088War◆ Major

William faced a rebellion led by Norman barons supporting his brother Robert Curthose. William suppressed the revolt by promising reforms and confiscating rebel lands.

RebellionCivil WarBarons

Impact: nationaldestructive

1097 AD

Conflict with Anselm of CanterburyPolitical Action◆ Major

William quarreled with Archbishop Anselm over church revenues and authority. Anselm went into exile in 1097, and William seized the revenues of the archbishopric.

Church-State ConflictExilePower Struggle

Impact: nationaldestructive

1100 AD

Death of William IIPolitical Action◆ Major

William was killed by an arrow while hunting in the New Forest on August 2, 1100. The circumstances were suspicious, and his brother Henry I quickly seized the throne.

DeathHunting AccidentSuccession

Impact: nationaltragic