William the Conqueror

William I (c.1027 or 1028-1087) was the King of England from Christmas, 1066 until his death. William invaded England in 1066, leading an army of Normans, Bretons, Dutchmen, and Frenchmen to victory over the English forces of King Harold Godwinson at the Battle of Hasting. His reign brought Norman-French culture to England. His reign also saw a program of building and fortification, changes to the English language, a shift in the upper levels of society and the church, and adoption of some aspects of continental church reform.