oom, when the murderer entered. All he could see was the vague outline of a child, whom he then killed. The killer, however, had murdered William’s friend, instead, allowing his uncle to whisk him away to safety”(Costain,24). He therefore lived through several homicide attempts that could easily have changed the history of England. Perhaps what William is most known for, however, is the Battle of Hastings. This entire incident began with a promise given to him in 1051 by King Edward stating that William could succeed him as King of England. However, on his deathbed, Edward and Earl Godwin made up for past grievances, and Edward proceeded to promise the English throne to Earl Godwin’s son, Harold. William, angered that his promise of the throne was not obliged, decided he would take England by force. On October 14, 1066, William and his army of 25,000 to 30,000 men defeated England in the Battle of Hastings. They then marched to London leaving a trail of devastation. Finally, on December 25, 1066, his goal was realized when he was crowned king. “This King William…was a very wise and great man, more honored and more powerful than any of his predecessors. He was mild to those men who loved God, but severe beyond measure to those who withstood his will”(Halsall). His many accomplishments as king can attest to this. Under his rule, Norman feudalism became prevalent throughout England, and England became a near perfect properly balanced feudal government. He also appointed Lanfranc as Archbishop who played a large role in centralizing the Church. Perhaps one of his most amazing accomplishments, however, was the commissioning of the Domesday Book, a survey of English land and property. His severity and sternness can also be seen throughout his reign, though. He imprisoned anyone who did not act as he wanted them to, blinded those who killed deer or boars, and used his force to put down rebe...
