William the Conqueror was also known as William the B-stard in his native land of Normandy. He was also the first Norman King of England, and he ruled from the year 1066 to the year 1087. He died in the year 1087. Before being the king, he was the Duke of Normandy from the year 1035. His life was actually a great struggle for the conquest of England. Although he did build his stronghold in Normandy by the year 1066.