Royal Government Defeats Earl Revolt
William's officers and loyal bishops defeat the revolt before its leaders can unite their forces effectively.
Role range: 1066-1087
Historical biography archive · Updated 2026-11-03
William I the Conqueror Biography and Timeline — Page 6
Follow William I the Conqueror through 277 dated historical records for England.
William I the Conqueror, historical timeline
A chronological timeline drawn from matching World History Database records.
277Distinct records
6 of 7Page
1075–1085Years on this page
1075
Rebellion of Northumberland begin the
In Williams absence, Ralph, his new brother-in-law Roger de Breteuil, 2nd Earl of Hereford, and Waltheof, 1st Earl of Northumberland begin the revolt, but it is plagued by disaster.
Role range: 1066-1087
1076
Execution of Waltheof
William permits Earl Waltheof's execution for involvement in the revolt of the earls, eliminating a prominent English magnate.
Role range: 1066-1087
Siege of Dol
William besieges Dol in Brittany while pursuing Ralph de Gael, one of the leaders of the English revolt.
Role range: 1076-1076 – 1066-1087
Invasion of Brittany
Persuaded to abandon the invasion by Philip I. Invades Brittany to capture the Earl of Norfolk
Role range: 1066-1087
Defeat at Dol
French intervention forces William to abandon the siege of Dol and retreat from Brittany.
Role range: 1076-1076 – 1066-1087
1077
Dedication of Bayeux Cathedral
William attended the solemn dedication of Bayeux Cathedral built under Odo's episcopate.
Role range: 1066-1087
Peace with Philip I
William reaches peace with King Philip I after the failed Breton campaign and renewed tensions on Normandy's borders.
Role range: 1077-1077 – 1066-1087
Truce with Fulk of Anjou
William secures a truce with Fulk of Anjou, easing pressure on Norman authority in Maine.
Role range: 1077-1078 – 1066-1087
1078
New Forest
The New Forest is made into a Royal hunting ground
Role range: 1066-1087
Robert Curthose Rebels
William's eldest son Robert Curthose rebels after prolonged frustration over his lack of independent authority.
Role range: 1066-1087
Tower of London
Begins construction of the Tower of London starting with the white Tower
Role range: 1066-1087
Conflict with Robert Curthose
William campaigns against supporters of his son Robert as their family dispute develops into armed conflict.
Role range: 1066-1087
1079
Battle of Gerberoy
Defeated in Normandy by his elder son, Robert Curthose
Role range: 1066-1087
Defeat at Gerberoy
Robert Curthose's forces defeat William near Gerberoy, exposing serious divisions within the Norman ruling family.
Role range: 1066-1087
Rebellion of Rebels in Normandy
Robert Curthose wants full authority over Normandy & Maine
Role range: 1066-1087
Siege of Gerberoy
William besieges Robert Curthose and his allies at Gerberoy during the conflict with his eldest son.
Role range: 1066-1087
1080
Northumbrian Revolt After Walcher's Death
The killing of Bishop Walcher triggers a northern crisis, prompting William to send forces under Odo of Bayeux.
Role range: 1080-1080 – 1066-1087
Invasion of England
Cannot draw Malcolm III into Battle & agrees a peace at Falkirk
Role range: 1066-1087
Invasion of England
Sends Robert Curthose to repel Malcolm III
Role range: 1066-1087
Newcastle Fortification
Robert Curthose establishes a new fortification at Newcastle during the northern campaign conducted under William's authority.
Role range: 1066-1087
Newcastle
Constructs "New Castle" as a defence against the Scots, later becomes Newcastle
Role range: 1066-1087
Oath
William rejects the request by Pope Gregory VII for an oath of fealty
Role range: 1066-1087
Peace
Robert Curthose agrees peace with Malcolm III at Falkirk
Role range: 1066-1087
Reconciliation with Robert Curthose
William reaches an accommodation with Robert and again acknowledges him as heir to Normandy.
Role range: 1066-1087
Odo Sent Against Northumbrian Rebels
William sends Odo of Bayeux north to suppress resistance following the death of Bishop Walcher.
Role range: 1080-1080 – 1066-1087
Robert Curthose Campaigns in Scotland
William sends Robert Curthose north, where he campaigns against Malcolm III and pressures Scotland toward renewed terms.
Role range: 1080-1080 – 1066-1087
Treaty of Abernethy
After Malcolm IIIs invasion of Northumbria the Abernethy Treaty is renewed at Falkirk
Role range: 1066-1087
1081
Refusal of Papal Fealty
William rejects a papal request that he perform fealty for the kingdom of England.
Role range: 1066-1087
Visit to St Davids
William reaches St Davids during his Welsh expedition, an event also remembered in Welsh tradition as a pilgrimage.
Role range: 1066-1087
Expedition into Wales
William leads an expedition into Wales as Norman power expands along the western frontier.
Role range: 1066-1087
1082
Arrest of Odo of Bayeux
Arrests his half-brother Bishop Odo who aspires to become Pope
Role range: 1066-1087
Arrest of Odo of Bayeux
Arrested to "curb his restless ambition" & imprisoned in Rouen Castle until his death
Role range: 1066-1087
Odo Imprisoned
William keeps Odo in confinement after the bishop's arrest, despite Odo's high rank in church and government.
Role range: 1066-1087
Odo of Bayeux Arrested
William arrests his half-brother Odo of Bayeux after concluding that Odo's ambitions threaten royal authority.
Role range: 1066-1087
Rebellion of his eldest son
Suppresses a rebellion led by his eldest son
Role range: 1066-1087
1083
Death of Matilda of Flanders
William's wife Matilda dies at Caen, ending a marriage that had strengthened the Norman dynasty's continental alliances.
Role range: 1066-1087
1085
Christmas Council at Gloucester
At his Christmas court in Gloucester, William orders the great inquiry that becomes the Domesday survey.
Role range: 1066-1087
Domesday Inquiry Ordered
William orders commissioners to determine landholding, resources and taxable values throughout most of England.
Role range: 1066-1087
Alliance Canute and Count of Flanders, Philip of France and Robert Curthose
Canute allies with the Count of Flanders, Philip of France & Robert Curthose
Role range: 1066-1087
Records, sources and methodology
These dates and descriptions come from the historical_events database. Exact duplicate records have been collapsed. Names are grouped by the country, Name 2 and Name 1 fields; records with missing Name 2 cannot be reliably assigned to an individual biography. Check the underlying sources before formal citation.