William II, frequently referred to as William Rufus due to his ruddy complexion, ascended to the throne of England in 1087 following the death of his father, William the Conqueror. His reign was characterised by a volatile relationship with the Anglo-Norman nobility and a series of intense disputes with the church, most notably with Anselm, the Archbishop of Canterbury. These ecclesiastical conflicts centred on the king's influence over church appointments and the management of church revenues, which often left the monarch at odds with the religious establishment of the era.

Beyond domestic political struggles, the king focused his efforts on consolidating and expanding Norman power through military campaigns. His rule saw persistent attempts to secure control over Normandy and maintain authority over the Welsh borders and the north of England. These military endeavours were costly and required significant taxation, further straining his relationship with the landed elite and the common populace alike.

The reign of William II came to an abrupt and mysterious end in 1100. While hunting in the New Forest, the king was killed by an arrow, an event that remains a subject of historical debate regarding whether it was a tragic accident or a calculated assassination. His death left the throne vacant, leading to the rapid succession of his younger brother, Henry I.

• Succeeded his father to become the second Norman king of England.
• Engaged in prolonged power struggles with the church and the nobility.
• Maintained a focus on military expansion and territorial security.
• Died under suspicious circumstances in the New Forest.
• His sudden passing facilitated the rise of his brother, Henry I.