William of Normandy defeated the army of Harold at The Battle of Hastings in 1066 and was crowned King on Christmas Day that same year. Despite this great victory the Normans had great difficulty keeping control of the hostile Anglo-Saxons. As a result the Normans had to build many castles from which to dominate the local people.

This reproduction William I penny is made from lead-free pewter. It is supplied in a clear blister mounted on a colourful information card with historical information on the reverse.