Herleva

Herleva (c. 1003 - 1050) also known as Arlette was the mother of William I of England.

Related Topics:
1003 - 1050 - William I of England

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Little is known for certain about Herleva's background, or the circumstances of William's birth. The written evidence dates from a generation or two later, and is not entirely consistent. Probably she was the teenage daughter of a tanner named Fulbert from the small Norman town of Falaise, where they lived. Translation being somewhat uncertain, Fulbert may instead have been a furrier, embalmer, or a person who laid out corpses for burial.

Related Topics:
Tanner - Norman - Falaise - Furrier - Embalmer

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Legend has is that it all started when Robert, the young Duke of Normandy saw Herleva washing in the river near his castle. He was unable to resist her and took her for his mistress. She later gave birth to his son, William, in 1027, and a daughter, Adelaide, in 1030, who married first Enguerrand, count of Ponthieu, second Lambert of Lens, and third Odo, count of Champagne.

Related Topics:
Robert - 1027 - 1030 - Ponthieu - Champagne

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Their love affair didn't last. While Robert went on a pilgrimage, Herleva married Herluin de Conteville in 1031. From this marriage she had two sons: Odo and Robert, who both became prominent during William's reign. They also had at least one daughter, who married William, lord of La Ferté-Macé.

Related Topics:
Pilgrimage - Herluin de Conteville - 1031 - Odo - Robert

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Herleva probably died around 1050.

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