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William the Conqueror Through out William’s life he accomplished many things and also survived many things. William the Conqueror or William I was born in 1027 as the illegitimate son of Robert, Duke of Normandy, his mother, Herleva, being the daughter of a tanner of Falaise. (William the Conqueror 1) His dad Robert set out on a pilgrimage and before leaving forced his lords to swear fealty to William. Robert realized that he was illegitimate but still was his only son. When William was only eight years old his father died and he inherited his father title. He was only titled duchy of Normandy upon his father’s death. (William I, the Conqueror 1) A number of the Norman barons would not accept an illegitimate son of Robert to be their leader. Therefore in 1040 made and attempt to kill William. The plot failed but they did kill Gilbert of Brionne. (Spartacus 1) For the next years the province was astrewed with assassination and revolt. In 1047, William reasserted himself in the eastern Norman regions and, with France’s King Henry I, crushed the rebelling barons. He also captured two strong castles of Alencon and Domfrong. Using these as his bases he started operating as a young duke. He became an extremely p