William I, also known as William the Conqueror, William, the Bastard or William of Normandy, French terms Guillaume le Conquérant or Guillaume le Bâtard or Guillaume de Normandie, (born c. 1028, Falaise, Normandy now France, died September 9, 1087, Normandy), duke of Normandy (as William II) from 1035 and King of England as William I from 1066, will go on record as the most outstanding King and ruler of the Middle Ages and beyond. He made himself the mightiest nobleman in France and then changed the course of England’s history by conquering the country.
William II (Rufus), named for his brown, reddish ruddy complexion, byname French Guillaume Le Roux, (born c. 1056—died August 2, 1100, Hampshire, England, son of William I the Conqueror, King of England from 1087 – 1100; he was also duke of Normandy (as William III) from 1096 – 1100. He prevented the dissolution of political ties between England and Normandy. His strong-armed rule earned him a reputation as a brutal, corrupt tyrant. Under feudal custom, William I bequeathed his inheritance, the Duchy of Normandy, to his eldest son, Robert II Curthose and England was given to Rufus.
Henry I (c. 1068 – 1 December 1135), also known as Henry Beauclerc, was King of England from 1100 until he died in 1135. Henry, the fourth son of William the Conqueror, was educated in liberal arts and Latin.
Stephen, also called Stephen Of Blois, (born c. 1097—died Oct. 25, 1154, Dover, Kent, Eng.), king of England from 1135 to 1154. He gained the throne by usurpation but failed to consolidate his power during the ensuing civil strife.