Anglo-Norman Realm Divided
William's death separates Normandy from the English crown, with different sons positioned to inherit the two realms.
Permanent historical records · Updated 2026-11-03
1087 in England
Explore 20 historical events and records for England in 1087.
Historical records for England in 1087
Sorted by month and day. Records with no month are shown last. Showing 20 of 20 unique records.
20Unique records
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18Named events on this page
4Named people on this page
6Places on this page
September
Death of William I the Conqueror
Death of William I the Conqueror
Duchy of Normandy
The Duchy of Normandy is left to Robert & England is left to William Rufus
Succession
Williams sons Robert, William & Henry outlive him
Succession
Succeeds as King of England
Will
The Duchy of Normandy is left to Robert & England is left to William Rufus
Coronation
Crowned King of England
Burial
Buried at the Abbey of St Stephen, Caen
Henry Receives Silver Bequest
William leaves his youngest son Henry a large monetary inheritance rather than a territorial principality.
Prisoners Released Before Death
Before his death, William orders the release of several prisoners, including his half-brother Odo of Bayeux.
Robert Confirmed as Heir to Normandy
William confirms that his eldest son Robert Curthose is to inherit the Duchy of Normandy.
Succession
Robert gains the support of the French King to challenge William for the throne
William Rufus Sent Toward England
William allows his son William Rufus to seek the English crown as the king's final illness worsens.
Other events (month unknown)
Arrest of Morcar
Morcar is again imprisoned by William Rufus and dies in captivity
Attack on Mantes
William attacks Mantes during his final campaign against French pressure on Normandy's frontier.
Chief Agent
Appointed Chief Agent of the King's Will, the highest official in England
Death of Morcar
Death of Morcar
Final Illness
William becomes gravely ill after the Mantes campaign and is taken toward Rouen for his final days.
The Doomsday book reveals 35% of land is
The Doomsday book reveals 35% of land is arable, 30% pasture & 15% woodland. Reveals the Church owns 27%, monarchy 17% & immigrant Barons 49% of land value
Vexin Counter-Offensive
William launches a counter-offensive in the Vexin after renewed conflict with King Philip I of France.
How these records were prepared
Generated from the World History Database historical_events table. Identical display records are collapsed; descriptions otherwise retain the stored text. Coverage and source quality vary. Check primary and specialist sources before citing individual historical claims.