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WILLIAM THE CONQUEROR

FROM UNKNOWN TO KING

SETTING THE SCENE

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William the Conqueror was one of those special or unique people who changed the world around them through the power of his or her personality and effort.

He was born out of wedlock, indeed his early nickname was "The Bastard", yet he became King of England through right of conquest and was the Duke of Normandy by right of inheritance. Two of his sons ruled England after him and the descendants of his line continued to rule England for centuries to come.

William's grandson, Henry II, through his marriage to Eleanor of Aquitaine, controlled more territory in France than the lands controlled by the King of France himself. As Duke of Normandy William and Henry owed allegiance to the King of France. As Kings of England they were his equal.

How did this happen? What were the major points in William's life which made this possible? Are you willing to find out? Through the preparation of a biographical time line you will be able to work out what the major turning points in his life were, who helped him, what he achieved and what happened to him in the long run and show your understanding of his life. So, begin your task here.

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