A Woman of Power and Influence: Herleva de Falaise. From Commoner to Mother of a King
Michael Fairley
Synopsis "A Woman of Power and Influence: Herleva de Falaise. From Commoner to Mother of a King"
Although few know the name of Herleva de Falaise outside of the world of historical research, she was nevertheless one of the most important women of the Middle Ages and had a major impact on the history and events of the 11th century and, indirectly, on the next one thousand years of French, English and wider European history. Indeed, was probably one of the most influential and powerful women in much of the history of northwestern Europe. Born in Normandy, France, in 1012 she became the mistress of Duke Robert I at the age of just 16 and mother of an illegitimate son and daughter by him. A son who was subsequently crowned Conqueror and King of England - in turn bringing almost 300 years of Norman rule and the French language to the country. Married to a Count - and one of the Duke's closest friends - after her beloved Duke was forbidden by the church to marry her, she had five more daughters and three further sons, one of whom became an outstanding military leader, a bishop and an Earl, the other a key army figurehead and Count. Both were key to the successful invasion of England in 1066. Together, these three sons of Herleva were to become the wealthiest and most powerful men in England. Their uncle and cousins also played an influential role in, first, the Conquest and then the development of Norman England. This book sets out to present in a fictionalized way an account of the life, loves, children and historical events surrounding - and following - Herleva de Falaise, and her sons, William, Odo and Robert. All dates, names, places and events have been obtained through historical research and are believed to be substantially correct, although even research recordsshow quite wide variations in some of the dates, names and events recorded. The story that unfolds is an interesting and important historical insight into the life and times of a relatively unknown tanner and fur trader's daughter from Falaise in France, whose impact on the long-term history and evolution of England and France has previously been very little known and largely undocumented.
