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William the Conqueror: A thrilling and authentic historical novel
An absorbing historical saga chronicling the life of William of Normandy! Perfect for fans of S D Sykes, E. M. Powell, Karen Maitland and S J Parris.
A formidable Norman duke changes the course of English history …
Normandy, 1027
Having recently become Duke of Normandy, young Robert must seize control of his domain before anarchy ensues. But his focus soon wavers when he meets Arlette — a tanner’s daughter — who wins his admiration with her spirit and beauty. Though unable to marry, they conceive a son, William.
In spite of his illegitimate birth and numerous detractors, William rises to become the new Duke of Normandy — renowned for both his strength and his ruthlessness. And when the King of England, Edward the Confessor dies, the ambitious duke decides to stake his claim to the English throne.
However, there are two other claimants prepared to fight for control of England — each with a formidable army. Undeterred by the challenge, William sends an invasion force across the Channel to realise his ambition.
But the duke soon realises that he has some powerful Saxon enemies who would refuse to accept a Norman king. And with plots and uprisings rife in both England and Normandy, William must decide who he can trust to aid him in his bloody struggle for power…
WILLIAM THE CONQUEROR is a fascinating historical novel exploring the life of William I, from his early childhood in Normandy to his turbulent reign as the first Norman king of England.
A formidable Norman duke changes the course of English history …
Normandy, 1027
Having recently become Duke of Normandy, young Robert must seize control of his domain before anarchy ensues. But his focus soon wavers when he meets Arlette — a tanner’s daughter — who wins his admiration with her spirit and beauty. Though unable to marry, they conceive a son, William.
In spite of his illegitimate birth and numerous detractors, William rises to become the new Duke of Normandy — renowned for both his strength and his ruthlessness. And when the King of England, Edward the Confessor dies, the ambitious duke decides to stake his claim to the English throne.
However, there are two other claimants prepared to fight for control of England — each with a formidable army. Undeterred by the challenge, William sends an invasion force across the Channel to realise his ambition.
But the duke soon realises that he has some powerful Saxon enemies who would refuse to accept a Norman king. And with plots and uprisings rife in both England and Normandy, William must decide who he can trust to aid him in his bloody struggle for power…
WILLIAM THE CONQUEROR is a fascinating historical novel exploring the life of William I, from his early childhood in Normandy to his turbulent reign as the first Norman king of England.
- GenresHistorical Fiction
469 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1983
119 people are currently reading
71 people want to read
About the author
John Wingate
45 books14 followersJohn Alan Wingate DSC was a successful novelist with some twenty-five books to his credit. Many of these had a naval theme. Frequently involving the submarine service, they gained much authenticity from Wingate’s personal wartime experiences
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
September 16, 2013
What a great read. It started a little slow, feeling in details about his family history. When he finaly got the starting of William's reign it picked up rapidly from there, I just couldnt put it down. This novel reads like a biography. It bring to light what an accomplished leader he became, from Bastard - Duke - King of England. The love affair with his wife, Duchess-Queen adds to this story of the conquests of William the Conqueror
June 10, 2022
The story of William is a interesting mixed tale. Born to unmarried parents he rose very high in the social hierachy though he was not popular with many. He and his wife Mathilde were very much in love which was a nice note in an era where marriage, especially amongst the upper classes was for convenience, connections and money.
Bloodthirsty and brutal was the pointers for this age and survival and annexing lands and properties was the sole focus of many in order to hold on to power. Unpleasant but part of the era.
It was a detailed read going back before the 11th century and gave you much information on who changed the face of England.
Very good read for history buffs.
Bloodthirsty and brutal was the pointers for this age and survival and annexing lands and properties was the sole focus of many in order to hold on to power. Unpleasant but part of the era.
It was a detailed read going back before the 11th century and gave you much information on who changed the face of England.
Very good read for history buffs.
February 18, 2022
445 pages
5 stars
This is the first comprehensive biography of William the Conqueror that I have read. I have long been interested in William and what kind of man he was. I knew that his parents were not married and found myself bemused that he rose so far.
I learned a great deal about William that I did not know. As Duke of Normandy, he was not popular in certain circles. His escape with the insurgents hot on his heels was exciting, and a surprise to me. I had no idea whether he was liked or not in his home country. That he and his wife, Mathilda were very much in love warmed me.
The cruelty and barbarity displayed by the average man did not surprise me. It was the age in which these people lived. I wish it weren’t so.
At the death of Edward the Confessor of England, William decides to seek his fortune there. There are staunch obstacles in his way of other claimants to the throne of England. This does not deter William however. He knows how to be ruthless and unforgiving.
William must also face the Saxons. They are very good warriors. There are vicious battles. When William felt that he had finally subdued the English/Saxons, he let his troops pillage their way to London. They destroyed and burned along the way.
On 5 March 1067, William’s coronation as King of England took place.
This book was a very good read. I thoroughly enjoyed it. It was well written and Mr. Wingate brought the characters to life. I felt at times as though I was reading an historical novel.
I want to thank NetGalley and Sapere Books for forwarding to me a copy of this most interesting book for me to read, enjoy and review. The opinions expressed here are solely my own.
5 stars
This is the first comprehensive biography of William the Conqueror that I have read. I have long been interested in William and what kind of man he was. I knew that his parents were not married and found myself bemused that he rose so far.
I learned a great deal about William that I did not know. As Duke of Normandy, he was not popular in certain circles. His escape with the insurgents hot on his heels was exciting, and a surprise to me. I had no idea whether he was liked or not in his home country. That he and his wife, Mathilda were very much in love warmed me.
The cruelty and barbarity displayed by the average man did not surprise me. It was the age in which these people lived. I wish it weren’t so.
At the death of Edward the Confessor of England, William decides to seek his fortune there. There are staunch obstacles in his way of other claimants to the throne of England. This does not deter William however. He knows how to be ruthless and unforgiving.
William must also face the Saxons. They are very good warriors. There are vicious battles. When William felt that he had finally subdued the English/Saxons, he let his troops pillage their way to London. They destroyed and burned along the way.
On 5 March 1067, William’s coronation as King of England took place.
This book was a very good read. I thoroughly enjoyed it. It was well written and Mr. Wingate brought the characters to life. I felt at times as though I was reading an historical novel.
I want to thank NetGalley and Sapere Books for forwarding to me a copy of this most interesting book for me to read, enjoy and review. The opinions expressed here are solely my own.
June 14, 2023
Helped fill in the blanks
Been reading Tranter's novels of early Scotland. Wanted something to fill in the missing information from England's side. The Robin Hood legends portray the hatred of the Saxons toward the Normans. I was surprised that William had a legitimate claim to the English throne. This is well written and holds the interest all the way through. Definitely worth the price.
Been reading Tranter's novels of early Scotland. Wanted something to fill in the missing information from England's side. The Robin Hood legends portray the hatred of the Saxons toward the Normans. I was surprised that William had a legitimate claim to the English throne. This is well written and holds the interest all the way through. Definitely worth the price.
February 25, 2022
I think it's the first time I read a biography of William the Conqueror and found this one engrossing and well researched.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
March 1, 2022
I had read of William the Conqueror before, but nearly everything I read started in 1066. This book covers the early years as well, where we learn how lucky William was to survive to adulthood. A very engrossing, interesting and informative biography of the man who changed the face of England.
May 9, 2022
Brilliant
Brings to life the vague history of one of the most important eras of our English history and the importance of William The Conqueror
Brings to life the vague history of one of the most important eras of our English history and the importance of William The Conqueror
May 18, 2022
Definitely Solid
I enjoyed this book a great deal and it was definitely detailed. There was a certain dryness that was freshing but failed to fully immerse me in the story.
I enjoyed this book a great deal and it was definitely detailed. There was a certain dryness that was freshing but failed to fully immerse me in the story.
October 16, 2024
JAJ read
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews