William II (Penguin Monarchs)

William II (Penguin Monarchs)

The Red King

Summary

'To provide splendid settings for their displays of majesty, kings had great halls built, and none more so than Rufus'

William II, or William Rufus, son and successor to William the Conqueror, is most famous for his death: killed by an arrow while out hunting. Was it accident or murder? John Gillingham cuts through the prejudices of earlier accounts to bring this enigmatic figure out of father's shadow and reveal him as one of England's most effective and colourful warrior-kings.

About the author

John Gillingham

John Gillingham is Emeritus Professor of Medieval History at the London School of Economics. His books include a biography of Richard I, The Angevin Empire and The English in the Twelfth Century.
Learn More

Sign up to the Penguin Newsletter

For the latest books, recommendations, author interviews and more