Early Life William was born in 1027 in Falaise, France. His parents were Duke Robert I of Normandy and Arletta, a tanner's daughter. William was illegitimate, he was also called "William the Bastard" and because of this he was an outcast. His father went on a pilgrimage to the Holy Land and left William as his successor with twelve barons to advise and take care of young William. When the news reached Normandy that his father was killed, violence broke out in the country. In 1047 William gained control of Normandy. He dealt with rebellion inside Normandy and became a...
called a fief.

The Church and Legal System William's power affected the Church and the legal system. The French language took the place of Anglo-Saxon. William appointed his own bishops and replaced English bishops and abbots. William also had Canterbury and Durham Cathedrals rebuilt. William promised to uphold existing laws and customs. He relied on sheriffs to supervise the administration and he sent members of his own court to conduct important trials.

The Later Years. William died on September 9, 1087. But before his death he gave Normandy to his oldest son Robert and gave England to William Rufus.