William I

William I, the Conqueror, was born in 1027 in France.
He crossed the English Channel with an army of 12,000 men in 1066 and won the battle of Hastings. On Christmas day 1066 he was crowned king in Westminster Abbey.
William I was one of the first kings of England who started British royal history. He reigned from 1066 until his death.

His greatest achievements include the Domesday Book, which was finished in 1086. The Domesday Book is the first official record which says how many people, towns, villages and farms England had. William founded a strong central government in England.

During his reign many cathedrals and castles were built. He started the construction of the Tower of London.