William the Conqueror to go on pilgrimage to Jerusalem. Although some of his supporters tried to dissuade him from undertaking the journey, Robert convened a council in January 1035 and had the assembled Norman magnates swear fealty to William as his heir before leaving for Jerusalem. He died in early July at Nicea, on his way back to Normandy. William faced several challenges on becoming duke, including his illegitimate birth and his youth: the evidence indicates that he was either seven or eight years old at the time. He enjoyed the support of his great-uncle, Archbishop Robert, as well as the king of
Companions of William the Conqueror not to Harold's mother, who offered for the body of her beloved son its weight in gold." ""Hic Odo Eps (Episcopus) Baculu(m) Tenens Confortat Pueros."" ("Here Odo the Bishop holding a club strengthens the boys.") These five were agreed upon by both David C. Douglas and Geoffrey H. White and are from the "Complete Peerage XII-1," Appendix L. Since the time of these lists, J. F. A. Mason in the "English Historical Review" adds one additional name: Companions of William the Conqueror William the Conqueror had men of diverse standing and origins under his command at the Battle of Hastings