Holinshed's Chronicles, vol. 2 of 6, slice 02 of 12: England, 1087-1100, William II

William Rufus ascended the English throne in September 1087, thrust into power by his father’s sudden death. Determined to win the confidence of the realm’s nobles, he showers them with generous gifts and promises to restore freedoms his father had curtailed. Guided by the seasoned Archbishop Lanfranc, the new king balances swift, lavish generosity with careful political maneuvering, freeing prisoners and flaunting the riches he finds in Winchester.

Yet beneath the surface, William’s temperamental nature and impulsive tendencies begin to surface. His older brother Robert, Duke of Normandy, feels the crown rightfully belongs to him and eyes the English kingdom with growing ambition. As the two brothers confront each other’s claims, the kingdom teeters between loyal support for the charismatic newcomer and looming conflict fueled by familial rivalry and the restless ambitions of the Norman aristocracy.