William I (1066-1087)
Wlliam I, also known as William the Conquerer, was knighted at the age of 15. His father died while William was a minor, so his uncle took up responsibility until William could himself. William was a successful king and stopped many invasions from neighboring nobles.
Henry I (1100-1135)
Henry I was the youngest son of William the Conquerer. He was extremely intelligent and received the title "Beauclerc", which means "Fine Scholar". He received the crown when his older brother, William Rufus, was shot while hunting.
Stephen (1135-1154)
King Stephen was the grandson of William the Conquerer, son of Adela, William's daughter. He was not a very good king. Stephen had little experience and could not lead efficiently. However, he was welcomed gladly by lords and bishops as king because the only other heir was Matilda, Henry's daughter, and they did not want a woman ruler.
Henry II (1154-1189)
King Henry II lived from 1133-1189. He was married to Eleanor of Aquitaine and they had seven children. Henry was clever, strong, and determined, but he also had a horrible temper. He quarelled with Thomas Becket, who was then murdered in the Canterbury Cathedral. During his reign, Ireland was added to the vast domain of English rule.
John (1199-1216)
King John, like William I, is one of the more commonly discussed kings of England. Perhaps one of his most famous events was his signing of the Magna Carta in 1215. His father, Henry II, did not leave John any land when he died. John was sent to rule over Ireland, but did a horrible job and returned home within six months. It was not until the death of his brother, Richard I, that John became king.