William the Conqueror, also known as William I, was a pivotal figure in English history, becoming the first Norman King of England. Born in 1027 in Normandy, France, he became the Duke of Normandy in 1035. His claim to the English throne stemmed from his familial ties to King Edward the Confessor, the childless Anglo-Saxon king. After Edward's death in 1066, William asserted his right to the throne, leading to the Battle of Hastings, a decisive Norman victory that solidified his rule. William's reign brought significant cultural, political, and social changes to England, including the introduction of the Norman feudal system, the Domesday Book, and the construction of numerous castles and fortifications. His rule marked the end of Anglo-Saxon dominance and the beginning of Norman influence in England, shaping the nation's future for centuries to come.
