King of England (1087–1100). William II was the second son of William I (the Conqueror) and Matilda. His succession was challenged by some Norman barons led by his uncle, Bishop Odo of Bayeux, who preferred his elder brother Robert, Duke of Normandy. This rebellion (1088) was crushed as was a second revolt in 1095. Robert’s departure on the First Crusade (1096) gave William the opportunity to secure Normandy for himself. His successes there against the French king and in neighbouring Maine did much to secure the boundaries of Normandy. William’s resistance to Anselm’s appointment as Archbishop of Canterbury contributed to his unpopular image with the chroniclers. His death from an arrow when hunting in the New Forest may have been arranged by his younger brother, who succeeded him as Henry I.