William the Conqueror: the extraordinary life of a duke who became King of England

Some stories have stood the test of time without ever losing their appeal. The story of William the Conqueror is undoubtedly one of them.

In short: William the Conqueror was born around 1027 in Falaise, Normandy. On October 14, 1066, he won the Battle of Hastings and became King of England. The Bayeux Tapestry, nearly 70 meters long, recounts this conquest. It is on display at the British Museum in London until July 11, 2027.

Imagine, for example, a young Norman duke crossing the Channel with several thousand men to conquer an entire kingdom. A few weeks later, he becomes King of England and permanently transforms the destiny of the country.

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Nearly a thousand years after this incredible epic, it is still possible to follow in William's footsteps across Normandy and southern England. Medieval castles, abbeys, battlefields, and historic towns tell the story of this extraordinary man.

If you enjoy trips that combine heritage, culture and landscapes steeped in history, this itinerary is one of the most fascinating in Europe.

William the Conqueror, an extraordinary destiny

William was born around 1027 in Falaise, Normandy. Yet, nothing really predestined him to become one of the most influential rulers of the Middle Ages.

From a very young age, he had to contend with the rivalries of the great Norman lords. Despite the plots and wars, he gradually managed to impose his authority. His political acumen, courage, and leadership qualities then enabled him to transform Normandy into an undeniable power.

But William harboured an even greater ambition: to become King of England.

1066: The year William the Conqueror changed history

When King Edward the Confessor died without an heir, several claimants laid claim to the English throne.

Guillaume then believes he is the legitimate heir and decides to act.

In the autumn of 1066, he assembled a huge fleet, crossed the Channel and landed in Sussex.

On October 14, near Hastings, the two armies clashed in a battle that would become famous throughout the world. After a day of fierce fighting, William finally triumphed over King Harold II.

William then received the crown of England at Westminster a few weeks later.

This victory thus marks the beginning of a new era for the kingdom.

The legacy of William the Conqueror, still visible

What strikes you most when travelling in the footsteps of William the Conqueror is how his legacy is still evident everywhere.

You only have to look up to see the fortresses he had built, visit the abbeys he founded or stroll through the streets of London to grasp the extent of his influence.

Even the English language still bears the imprint of the Norman conquest today.

Places associated with William the Conqueror to discover

Falaise, where it all began

The journey therefore naturally begins in Falaise.

Dominating the town, its impressive castle is a reminder of William's early years. A visit offers a better understanding of his childhood and the difficulties he faced before becoming Duke of Normandy.

Caen, the city of William the Conqueror

You can’t talk about Guillaume without mentioning Caen.

He notably had two magnificent abbeys built there: the Abbaye aux Hommes and the Abbaye aux Dames.

Its immense castle, one of the largest in Europe, still towers over the town and is a must-see for history enthusiasts.

Bayeux and its famous tapestry

The Bayeux Tapestry is probably the most fascinating historical document devoted to William.

Measuring nearly 70 metres in length, it depicts – much like a medieval comic strip – the preparations for the expedition, the crossing of the English Channel and the Battle of Hastings.

Even without being a history buff, one can't help but admire the level of detail in this unique work. It's currently on display in London until July 11, 2027: see our article on the Bayeux Tapestry at the British Museum.

Battle and the Battlefield at Hastings

Across the Channel, Battle offers visitors the chance to relive one of the most famous battles of the Middle Ages.

Peaceful today, this place was once the scene of a battle that forever changed the destiny of England. Battle is easily accessible during a tour in the south of England.

Walking on this battlefield provides a unique sensation, given its immense historical importance.

London, the capital of the United Kingdom

The journey finally ends in London.

The Tower of London, built shortly after the conquest, remains one of the greatest symbols of Norman power. It is among the England’s most beautiful castles.

Just a short walk away, Westminster commemorates the coronation of William on 25 December 1066.

These iconic sites allow us to appreciate the scale of its legacy. To extend your stay, also explore our London's off-the-beaten-path neighborhoods.

Why will 2027 be an exceptional year?

The year 2027 will mark the the millennium of the birth of William the Conqueror.

To mark the occasion, Normandy will be hosting a host of events, exhibitions, historical performances and medieval re-enactments to celebrate one of its most famous figures.

For history enthusiasts, this will undoubtedly be the best time to set off and explore the lands of William.

Why are the traces of William the Conqueror so fascinating?

Following in the footsteps of William the Conqueror is not just a matter of visiting a few castles.

It is about understanding how one man managed to change the fate of two nations.

It means discovering magnificent landscapes, exploring perfectly preserved medieval towns and reliving one of the greatest adventures in European history.

Few routes offer such a harmonious blend of heritage, culture, architecture, and wide-open spaces. Discover also our tailor-made holidays in England.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where was William the Conqueror born?

He was born around 1027 in Falaise, Normandy. The castle overlooking the town is a reminder of his early years.

When did the Battle of Hastings take place?

On October 14, 1066, near Hastings, Sussex, after a day of fighting, William defeated King Harold II. The site can be visited today in Battle.

When was William crowned King of England?

On December 25, 1066, in Westminster, just a few weeks after his victory at Hastings.

Where can I see the Bayeux Tapestry?

Until July 11, 2027, the British Museum in London is exhibiting it. Nearly 70 meters long, it tells the story of the expedition's preparation, the crossing of the English Channel, and the Battle of Hastings.

Which sites should you visit to follow in William's footsteps?

In Normandy, start with Falaise Castle, then Caen, with its castle and two abbeys, and Bayeux. In England, then visit Battlefields, the Tower of London, and Westminster Abbey.

Why is 2027 a special year?

It marks the millennium of William's birth. Normandy is therefore planning exhibitions, shows and reenactments to celebrate this figure.

The lands of William the Conqueror with Brightside Travel

At Brightside Travel, we create bespoke tours to help you discover the most beautiful sites associated with William the Conqueror, both in Normandy and in England.

From the medieval streets of Falaise to the cliffs of Sussex, from the abbeys of Caen to London’s iconic landmarks, each itinerary is designed to bring this incredible chapter of history to life whilst allowing you to enjoy the finest cultural treasures on both sides of the Channel.

The story of William the Conqueror Has it made you want to set off to explore England and its historical treasures? At Brightside Travel, we create fully bespoke trips to the UK and Ireland, tailored to your preferences.

Whether you’d like to explore London, England’s castles, the countryside of Kent or follow in the footsteps of William the Conqueror, we’ll help you create a unique itinerary.

Discover all our bespoke holidays:
brightside-travel.com

To find out more about the historic sites linked to William the Conqueror, you can also visit the official website of’English Heritage :
english-heritage.org.uk

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