Henry I of England
Henry I of England was born on September 1068 in Selby, Yorkshire. He was the fourth son of William the Conqueror, and became king of England in 1100 after his brother, William II, died. Henry I was known for his administrative skills, and enacted many important reforms during his reign, including the appointment of justices to oversee local courts, and the establishment of the Exchequer, a centralized financial system. He also helped to suppress rebellion, and defeated his rivals in a civil war known as the Anarchy. Henry I was married twice, and had several children, including his son William, who died in a shipwreck, leaving no heirs. As a result, when Henry I died in December 1135, his crown passed to his nephew, Stephen of Blois, sparking a period of instability known as the Anarchy.
