William the Conqueror

A sit down with William the Conqueror (1066 C.E.)

Q: How did you go from William of Normandy to the King of England known as William the Conqueror?
A: I raised an army and won the backing of the pope. I then defeated Harold of England at the Battle of Hastings. I was then crowned King of England.

Q: How will you get control of new land?
A: I will: grant fiefs to Norman lords and the church, keep land for the crown, monitor castles, and all vassels will swear allegiance to me.

Q: How will you learn about your kingdom?
A: I have created the Domesday Book. This is a census of my entire kingdom. This will eventually help create an efficient system of tax collection.

Q: What is the purpose of all this?
A: I am setting the table for future kings to develop an efficient way to rule a kingdom.