In 1070 he was engaged on works connected with the rebuilding of York Castle after its destruction by the Danes and in 1072 he took part in the Conquerors expedition to Scotland.
In 1096 he set out on the first crusade and died and was buried at Mount Joy near Jerusalem. Following Williams dying wishes Sirralph Eversly a Knight carried his heart back to England and it was buried at Whitby Abbey.