William the Conqueror also known as William the Bastard was King of England and Duke of Normandy. He was the illegitimate son of Robert the Magnificent, Duke of Normandy, also known as Robert the Devil, and Herleva, the daughter of a tanner from Falaise. William the Conqueror gained his nickname by defeating the newly crowned King Harold in the fight for the throne. William submitted his claims to the throne based on the promise of succession made to him by the previous ruler of England - Edward the Confessor. He was so confident of his victory that he sent his advance guard to London with the order to build a fortress. Archaeological investigations prove that one of the bastions was built on the site of today's Tower. These original walls were replaced by a great stone White Tower, testifying to the power of the new king.
