Arlette / Herleva of Falaise (1^st half of the 11^th century)

Traditionally the name of Arlette has been retained for the concubine of Robert I (Herleva / Herlève, in contemporary sources). Her personality is difficult to discern from the semi-legendary narratives embroidered around the theme of her meeting with the Duke of Normandy, Robert the Magnificent. Her parents are of obscure origins as her father was probably a furrier in Falaise. She was noticed (perhaps in c.1027) by Robert I who made her his concubine. They had a son, William, the future William the Conqueror, who owes his nickname of ‘bastard’ to this irregular union. After William’s birth Robert continued to live with Arlette, and she gave him several other children. She subsequently married Herluin of Conteville, described by the chronicler William of Jumièges as an honest knight, and she gave him two sons, Odo (Eudes), the future Bishop of Bayeux and Count of Kent, and Robert, Count of Mortain, companions of William. Herluin is associated with the foundation of the abbey of Notre-Dame in Grestain where he chose a sepulchre for himself and his wife.

Bibliography :

- Georges Duby. - Dames du XIIe s.. - Paris : Gallimard, 1995.
- François Neveux. - La Normandie des ducs aux rois, Xe-XIIe s. - Rennes : Ouest-France, 1998.
- Michel de Boüard. - Guillaume le Conquérant. - Paris : Fayard, 1984.