William II of England dies 1100

Whilst hunting in the New Forest, on the 2nd of August 1100, William II was struck by an arrow, shot by Walter Tyrell, which pierced his lung.12 The Chroniclers report that his death was an accident, nevertheless Walter Tyrell fled to France where he was sheltered by abbot Sugar. The other members of the hunting party fled to their English and Norman estates,32 and Williams brother Henry rode to Winchester to secure the treasury.4 William's body was left in the New Forest. A few peasants later carried his body to Winchester in a cart.3 His brother Henry I proclaimed himself king in the absence of their elder brother Robert Curthose who was participating in the 1st Crusade.5

• 1. Barlow, F. William Rufus. Yale English Monarchs (Yale University Press, 1983). p422.
• 2. a. b. Hollister, W. C. Henry I. Yale English Monarchs Series (Yale University Press, 2001). p103.
• 3. a. b. Barlow, F. William Rufus. Yale English Monarchs (Yale University Press, 1983). p429.
• 4. Hollister, W. C. Henry I. Yale English Monarchs Series (Yale University Press, 2001). p104.
• 5. Hollister, W. C. Henry I. Yale English Monarchs Series (Yale University Press, 2001). p105.