The Lives of the III. Normans, Kings of England: William the First, William the Second, Henrie the First

"The Lives of the III. Normans, Kings of England: William the First, William the Second, Henrie the First" by John Hayward is a 17th-century historical narrative that presents the biographies of three Norman kings who shaped England, seeking to celebrate their actions and cement their place in the country's heritage. Beginning with a dedication that emphasizes the importance of remembering English valor through historical records, the book recalls the author's past conversations on the need for a complete history of England. It then introduces William the Conqueror, starting with the story of his birth outside of marriage to Duke Robert of Normandy and a woman named Arlotte, illuminating the societal complexities of the era and exploring young William's early hardships, ambitions, and path to becoming a dominant ruler.