William the Conqueror

As the youngest son of William the Conqueror, Henry I was not likely to become king. Nevertheless, he outlived, outfought, or outwitted his older brothers to become the king of England in 1100 CE. Henry proved to be a master politician—but then his demise plunged England into a civil war.

The life of Robert Curthose played out like one long, brutal episode of Game of Thrones—right up to the utterly disturbing finale.

William the Conqueror is one of the most infamous kings in the history of England, yet few people know this legendary figure's dark history. Why was his birth so scandalous? Why did he invade England in the first place?

Henry I, England's unlikeliest monarch, changed the country forever—yet few people know this ruthless king's dark history.

Ruthless King Facts. Kings throughout history have done dark, scandalous things. Here are facts about the most ruthless and fascinating monarchs.