King William II of England

William II, also known as William Rufus, was King of England from 26 September 1087 until his death in 1100. He was the third son of William the Conqueror and Matilda of Flanders. Known for his complex temperament, he was both bellicose and flamboyant, and did not marry or have children. His reign saw influence over Normandy and Scotland, though he was less successful in Wales.

William's appearance was described as having a ruddy complexion and red hair, which may have contributed to his nickname, Rufus. He was involved in an incident where he and his brother Henry emptied a chamber pot on their brother Robert, leading to a brawl. He maintained good order and justice in England and restored peace to Normandy.

His reign involved conflicts with the Church and a court considered dissolute by contemporaries. William appointed Ranulf Flambard as Bishop of Durham, a political move that showed his contentious relationship with religious authorities. Chroniclers of the time often criticized him, possibly due to his struggles with the Church, and he was described as a ruler who scorned English culture.

William II died on 2 August 1100 after being hit by an arrow while hunting in the New Forest. His body was taken to Winchester Cathedral for burial, and his younger brother Henry I seized the treasury and was crowned king.