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Was the first King of England French and if so what is the story behind it?
Wiki User
∙ 8y ago
No, the first king of England was not French, however in the years 1066 England was conquered by Frenchmen under William, Duke of Normandy. The English king, Harold, was killed at The Battle of Hastings. William became King of England. He was French and for a long time therefter the kings of England spoke only French, considered themselves French, and were much more interested in their French feudal possessions than in England. It was several hundred years before an English king spoke English as his native language. Michael Montagne
A point of contention but generally the first king of England is concidered to be King Egbert of Wessex (also spelled Ecgberht or Ecgbryh), sometimes known as Egbert the Saxon. William whilst not being the first king was also not French (The Normans having conquered norhern areas of France some time earlier) the Normans however did use French as a courtly language - but it has been noted in court records that within two generations the sons of Norman nobles were had trouble in court due to not being able to speak French (English of the time being closer to their original Nordic tongue)
Actually the Normans did not conquer northern France the French King, Charles the Simple, gave some land in the North of France to a Viking chief named Rollo. Hoping that by giving the Vikings their own land in France they would stop attacking France. The land became known as Northmannia and was later shortened to Normandy - which is of course where William came from.
If one wishes to be pedantic - and one does - the first King of England was Henry II! Why? I hear you all mutter. Because he was the first monarch of this green and pleasant land who historical used that title. Previously, they had all used the title "King of the English". Y'All can quibble all you like, but this is historically accurate.
[HK: You'd also need to define what was French at that time. Born on land owned by the king of France? Dominated by that king? Parents in either situation? We're opening up a minefield.]
Wiki User
∙ 8y ago
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