William Longsword

William Longsword, also known by various other names in different languages, served as the second ruler of Normandy from 927 until his assassination in 942. While often referred to as the ‘duke of Normandy’, he was officially known as the count of Rouen during his lifetime, a title that predated the common use of ‘duke’. His contemporary title was ‘princeps’ of the Normans, as noted by chronicler Flodoard. The epithet ‘Longsword’ is not found in contemporary sources but emerged in later historical accounts.

William was the son of the Viking Rollo and Poppa of Bayeux, and was likely baptized alongside his father in 912. Succeeding Rollo in 927, he faced and suppressed a Norman rebellion in 933. Throughout his rule, he engaged in political maneuvering, securing alliances through marriage and supporting various French kings, which expanded and consolidated Norman power in the region. His rule ended abruptly when he was ambushed and killed in 942 during a peace conference with Arnulf of Flanders.