King William Rufus Collection

Rufus Stone, 1898. Creator: Unknown
Rufus Stone, 1898. 11th century memorial stone marking the (alleged) spot where King William II was fatally wounded with an arrow, during a royal hunting trip in the New Forest

The Rufus Stone in the New Forest, 1890. Creator: Unknown
The Rufus Stone in the New Forest, 1890. Marks the spot where William II was killed by an arrow through the lung, while hunting in 1100. From " Cassells Illustrated Universal History, Vol

William II, 1773. Creator: Unknown
William II, 1773. William II (1056- 1100), third son of William the Conqueror, was King of England from 1087 until 1100. From " A New and Complete History of England

Portraits from Ancient Coins, (mid 19th century). Creator: Unknown
Portraits from Ancient Coins, (mid 19th century). Portraits of early kings in British history: Canute (Cnut I), Harold (Harold Godwinson), Edward the Confessor, William I (William the Conqueror)

Rufus Stone, New Forest, c1896. Artist: Poulton & Co
Rufus Stone, New Forest, c1896. From Pictorial England and Wales. [Cassell and Company, Limited, London, Paris & Melbourne, c1896]

Anselm made Archbishop of Canterbury by William II, 1093 (1864). St Anselm (1033-1109) was an Italian-born Benedictine monk and an influential philosopher and theologian

William II, 1935. William II, called Rufus (1056?-1100), was king of England from 1087-1100. He was the third son of William the Conqueror. From Kings & Queens of England - A Series of 50

William II. Surnamed Rufus, c1787. From A New, Universal and Impartial History of England: From the Earliest Authentic Records, and most Genuine Historical Evidence, to the Winter of the Year 1784

Reading the Dream, c1860, (c1860). Artist: John Leech
Reading the Dream, c1860, (c1860). From The Comic History of England, Volume I, by Gilbert A A Beckett. [Bradbury, Agnew, & Co. London]

William Roof-us, c1860, (c1860). Artist: John Leech
William Roof-us, c1860, (c1860). William II (c1056-1100) the third son of William I of England and King of England from 1087 until 1100

Death of William Rufus, 1838. William II (c1056-1100), King of England from 1087 until 1100. King William II was killed by an arrow whilst out hunting. From The History of England, Vol

William II, King of England from 1087, (1932). Artist: Rosalind Thornycroft
William II, King of England from 1087, (1932). The son of William the Conqueror, William II (William Rufus) (c1056-1100) reigned from 1087. He was killed by an arrow while hunting in the New Forest

William Rufus at the Tower of London, late 11th century, (c1920). Artist: Charles Goldsborough Anderson
William Rufus at the Tower of London, late 11th century, (c1920). Illustration from Story of the British Nation, Volume I, by Walter Hutchinson, (London, c1920s)

King William II (William Rufus), 1786. From Harrisons Edition of Rapins History of England, by Paul Rapin de Thoyras. [John Harrison, London, 1786]

King William II of England. Portrait of William Rufus (1056-1100), son of William the Conqueror

King William II of England. Portrait of William Rufus (1056-1100), son of William the Conqueror

King William II of England. Artist: Pass
King William II of England. Portrait of William Rufus (1056-1100), son of William the Conqueror

King William II of England, (1803). Artist: J Chapman
King William II of England, (1803). Portrait of William Rufus (1056-1100), son of William the Conqueror

King William II. Artist: Robert Peake
King William II. Portrait of William Rufus (1056-1100), son of William the Conqueror

King William II. Artist: J Chapman
King William II. Portrait of William Rufus (1056-1100), son of William the Conqueror

King William II of England, (1788). Artist: J Collyer
King William II of England, (1788). Portrait of William Rufus (1056-1100), son of William the Conqueror

King William II of England, (1786). Artist: John Goldar
King William II of England, (1786). Portrait of William Rufus (1056-1100), son of William the Conqueror

King William II. Artist: George Vertue
King William II. Portrait of William Rufus (1056-1100), son of William the Conqueror

Death Of William The Second, 1100, (c1850). While hunting in the New Forest, William was killed by an arrow through the heart

William II. King William II (c1056-1100) was called Rufus, perhaps because of his red-faced appearance. The second son of William the Conqueror, he was King of England from 1087 until 1100

Henry I, King of England, 1860. King Henry I (c 1069-1135) with a vignette showing the death of William II

King William II of England, 1860. William II, called Rufus (1056?-1100), was king of England from 1087-1100. He was the third son of William the Conqueror

Mosaics above the west door of the Cathedral in Monreale, 12th century
Mosaics above the west door of the Cathedral in Monreale, Sicily, 12th century

A mosaic of Doubting Thomas, 12th century
A mosaic of Doubting Thomas in the nave of Monreale Cathedral in Sicily, 12th century

Monreale cathedral in Sicily, 12th century
Monreale cathedral in Sicily, from the Cloisters, erected by William II, 12th century

The Seal of William II, 11th century
The Seal of William (Rufus) II, 11th century

Seal of King William II of England
The seal of William II (1056-1100), depicting a man on horseback. He was commonly known as William Rufus, possibly because of his red faced appearance

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"King William Rufus: A Controversial Monarch and His Mysterious Demise" Intrigue surrounds the enigmatic figure of King William Rufus, whose reign as William II from 1087 to 1100 left a lasting mark on English history. The Rufus Stone, an ancient monument shrouded in legend, stands as a testament to his untimely demise. The portraits that depict this formidable ruler offer glimpses into his persona. From the striking portrayal in the Rufus Stone of 1898 to the mysterious rendering of William II in 1830, artists have sought to capture his essence. Even ancient coins bear witness to his image, showcasing him through time. One cannot discuss King William Rufus without mentioning the New Forest's infamous Rufus Stone. Its presence evokes curiosity and speculation about what truly transpired on that fateful day when an arrow pierced through him while hunting deer. Was it an accident or something more sinister? James William Edmund Doyle's poignant artwork depicts the tragic death of England's king in 1864, reminding us of the enduring mystery surrounding this event. Meanwhile, Anselm's appointment as Archbishop by William II in 1093 signifies their complex relationship and political maneuvering. Throughout history, scholars have debated whether King William Rufus was a tyrant or simply misunderstood. Alfred Crowquill's depiction from 1856 portrays him with a sense of authority and power befitting a monarch who ruled during tumultuous times. Yet amidst all these portrayals lies John Leech's "Reading the Dream, " which hints at another facet of this enigmatic ruler – his dreams and aspirations for England under his rule. It prompts us to ponder if there was more beneath King William Rufus' controversial exterior than meets the eye. As we delve into historical accounts and artistic interpretations spanning centuries like Poulton & Co.