Blood and Crown: The Story of William the Conqueror

William of Normandy began life as an illegitimate duke and ended it as king of England, ruling over one of the most dramatic political transformations of the medieval world.

Blood and Crown: The Story of William the Conqueror presents a clear and accessible account of his life and rise to power, tracing his path from his early struggles to control Normandy to his invasion of England and victory at Hastings in 1066.

The book places William's career within its wider political and military setting, outlining the rivalries of eleventh century Europe, the fragile nature of medieval kingship, and the challenges of ruling across the Channel. It follows his efforts to secure his authority in both Normandy and England and considers how his rule reshaped the English crown, landholding, and government.

Written for general readers, this concise biography is suitable for those interested in:

•medieval England and Normandy
•the Norman Conquest
•medieval kingship and warfare
•major figures of the Middle Ages

Balanced and straightforward in approach, this book offers an introduction to one of the most influential rulers of medieval Europe and the foundations he laid for the English kingdom that followed.