William II Rufus crowned King of England

September 26, 1087

The Conqueror's red-faced second son was crowned at Westminster, having raced across the Channel at his father's dying word. His elder brother Robert inherited Normandy. The separation of the dukedom from the kingdom would keep cross-Channel politics in turmoil for the next generation of Norman rulers. Rufus proved an effective military commander but was widely despised by the Church for his cynical exploitation of vacant bishoprics.