Biography
Biography
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William (Adelin)
| Born | 1103 | Born At | |
| Died | 1120 | Buried At | |
| Father | Henry (I, King of England 1100-1135) | Mother | Matilda Edith (of Scotland) |
| Born | 1103 / |
| Died | 1120 / |
William Adelin was the son of Henry I, the King of England. William was drowned while returning from Normandy to England when his ship 'The White Ship' sank. The crew and passengers were drunk and the helmsman steered the ship onto rocks even though the sea was calm. William was Henry's only son and his death left Henry without a male heir. Henry attempted to ensure that his daughter Matilda, William's sister, should become Queen of England when Henry died. Although the barons initially agreed to this arrangement when Henry did die conflict and civil war broke out between Stephen of Blois, who claimed the English throne and Matilda.
Related Episodes
Stephen's succession to the throne (click here)
Stephen's succession to the throne (click here)
Siblings (incl. half-siblings)
Family Tree Details
William (Adelin) (b.1103 - d.1120)
William (Adelin) (b.1103 - d.1120)
Timeline
1103
Matilda of Scotland, the wife of King Henry I of England gave birth to their first son William Adelin at Winchester. They already had a daughter called Matilda.
1119 (Age: 16yrs)
Fulk V of Anjou arranged the marriage of his daughter Matilda to William Adelin, heir to the English crown. Wanting to go on Crusade, Fulk needed to ensure security and a marriage between his family and the English crown would help secure that security.
1120 (Age: 17yrs)
The son of Henry I was drowned attempting a crossing from Normandy to England. It should have been a straight forward sea crossing from Normandy to England and the weather was good, but the young prince and his young friends had delayed the sailing with their merrymaking in Normandy. The crew of the White Ship were supplied with beer and as a result were in no state to handle the ship safely. The ship hit rocks and began to sink. Prince William was initially rescued and placed in a small boat but on his orders he tried to rescue his sister and the boat was overwhelmed by others hoping to be saved. The small boat tipped over and the prince was drowned.
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