William II

Merlin advises Vortigern, from the Roman de Brut, translation of Geoffrey’s History by Wace, English, 1338-40. British Library/Bridgeman Images.

The Prophecies of Merlin

As told by one medieval chronicler, Britain’s past and future had been prophesied by Merlin, who foresaw its rise, fall and conquest. Did the magician have warnings for the present?

William II, ‘Rufus’, kneeling before Archbishop Lanfranc, from the Chronique de Normandie, French, 15th century.

The Sin King

The court of William Rufus, son of the Conqueror, was known as a ‘brothel of male prostitutes’.

The Death of William Rufus

On August 2nd, 1100, the harsh, violent, cynical ruler, who was the second Norman King of England, mysteriously met his death while hunting in the New Forest. W.L. Warren asks: was it by accident or conspiratorial design, or was he the victim of a pagan fertility cult?

God and the Normans

David Crouch reconsiders William I and his sons as men of genuine piety – as well as soldiers.