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Herlève/Arlette de Falaise

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  • Lifespan

    1003 – v 1050

  • Famous Quote

    "Lord, she said, I don't know if it was a dream – I dreamt that a tree grew out of my body and grew right up to the sky; from the shade which it provided all round, the whole of Normandy was covered". Wace recalling Arlette's dream.

Why are they famous?
The daughter of a tanner-embalmer of Falaise she brings forth a future Duke of Normandy, King of England.
DID YOU KNOW?
A Duke of Normandy could maintain several common law wives in addition to a legitimate wife. This practice of Scandinavian origin will come to an end with the coming of William the Conqueror, anxious to have the support of the Church.

Herlève or Arlette de Falaise is the mother of William the Conqueror. She is the daughter of a tanner-embalmer of Falaise and meets Robert le Magnifique (Robert the Magnificent), Duke of Normandy doubtless at the Château and thus becomes his favourite, his common law wife in accordance with Scandinavian tradition.  A boy will be born from this union, William the future conqueror, then a girl, Adelaide.  She will subsequently be given in marriage to Herluin de Conteville, a minor lord in the Pays d’Auge and two children will be born: Robert de Mortain and Odon de Bayeux, who will fight with William, their half-brother, in the battle of Hastings.  History makes of Herlève a person of strong and independent character.

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