Succession
Succeeds as King of England
Role range: 1087-1100
Historical biography archive · Updated 2026-11-03
William II Rufus Biography and Timeline
Follow William II Rufus through 32 dated historical records for England.
William II Rufus, historical timeline
A chronological timeline drawn from matching World History Database records.
32Distinct records
1 of 1Page
1087–1100Years on this page
1087
Coronation
Crowned King of England
Role range: 1087-1100
Succession
Robert gains the support of the French King to challenge William for the throne
1088
Exile of William II Rufus
Odo had control of Rochester castle, but is forced into exile by William Rufus
Role range: 1087-1100
Siege of Rochester
Odo had control of Rochester castle, but is forced into exile by William Rufus
Role range: 1087-1100
Succession
Beats off a challenge from Odo who plans to replace him by Robert Curthose of Normandy
Role range: 1087-1100
1089
Invasion of Normandy
Wiliam claims Normandy, he campaigns in Normandy but weakens his position in England
Role range: 1087-1100
Rule of Normandy
Wiliam claims Normandy, he campaigns in Normandy but weakens his position in England
Role range: 1087-1100
1091
Treaty of Caen
Whoever of the two brothers survives will inherit the others lands. Makes peace with Robert Curthose. Deprives Edgar the Atheling of his lands
Role range: 1087-1100
White Tower
The White Tower of the Tower of London is completed
Role range: 1087-1100
1092
Carlisle Castle
After Malcolm IIIs invasion of Northumbria William builds a castle at Carlisle
Role range: 1087-1100
Capture of Cumberland
William II Rufus captures Cumberland
Role range: 1087-1100
Invasion of Northumberland
Robert Curthose intervenes & a Treaty is signed
Role range: 1087-1100
Invasion of Northumbria
The Scots King Malcolm invades Northumbria & meeets Rufus forces at Lothian
Role range: 1087-1100
Rule of Cumberland
William II Rufus captures Cumberland
Role range: 1087-1100
Rule of Northumberland
Under a peace Treaty Northumberland is returned to England. Malcolm III returns Northumberland to England. Malcolm gains 12 English villages & Northumberland is returned to England
Role range: 1087-1100
1093
Archbishop
Appoints Anselm of Bec Archbishop of Canterbury
Role range: 1087-1100
Invasion of Northumbria
Malcolm III & his son Edward are killed during the Scots invasion of Northumbria
Role range: 1087-1100
Invasion of Northumberland
Malcolm invades Northumbria, provoked by Williams refusal to see him at Gloucester
Role range: 1087-1100
1095
Council of Rockingham
Calls the Council of Rockingham to resolve differences with Anselm of Canterbury. Anselm of Canterbury appeals to Rome claiming he cannot be judged in a secular court
Role range: 1087-1100
Rebellion of Normandy
Normandy rebels against William II
Role range: 1087-1100
1096
Purchase of Normandy
Normandy is purchased for 10,000 Marks from Robert Curthose so he can crusade
Role range: 1087-1100
Rule of Normandy
Normandy is purchased for 10,000 Marks from Robert Curthose so he can crusade
Role range: 1087-1100
1097
Coup
Edgar agrees to become a vassal of William II & overthrow his uncle Donald III
Role range: 1087-1100
Exile of William II Rufus
King Edgar, son of Malcolm III, flees to England after his fathers death
Role range: 1087-1100
Resignation of Anselm of Bec
Anselm resigns & leaves his estates in Canterbury to William
Role range: 1087-1100
Succession
Edgar agrees to become a vassal of William II & overthrow his uncle Donald III
Role range: 1087-1100
1099
Westminster Hall Banquet
Holds his 1st banquest & court in Westminster Hall, the largest hall in the country
Role range: 1087-1100
Rule of Maine
Completes the recovery of Maine, lost during Robert Curthoses rule
Role range: 1087-1100
Rule of Vexin
Completes the recovery of Vexin, lost during Robert Curthoses rule
Role range: 1087-1100
1100
Death of William II Rufus
Death of William II, in a hunting accident in the New Forest
Role range: 1087-1100
Burial
Buried at Winchester Cathedral
Role range: 1087-1100
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.