William the Bastard was the Duke of Normandy who in 1066 attacked England and became William the Conqueror, King of England.

The story of his conquest is told in the Bayeux Tapestry, on display in the city of Bayeux. 

We also stopped to see his ducal castle in Caen.

The Bayeux Tapestry

The tapestry was commissioned by Odo, the brother of William and the bishop based in the cathedral at Bayeux.  It tells the story of how Harold, the last king of the English Saxons, was ransomed by William and in exchange, promised to support William as the king of England when William's cousin--the king of England--died.  Harold returned to England and took the crown, breaking his promise.  As payment for breaking the promise, William attacked England and defeated Harold at the battle of Hastings, introducing Norman rule to England--as well as the feudal system and strong central government.

Many historians feel that if not for William, North America would be speaking French today...

For us, the Bayeux tapestry was an interesting study in contrasts.  Each of the many scenes were very complex in imagery, but very crude in the depiction of scale and form.  In fact, the way people were illustrated was very similar to the medieval mosaics we saw in Ravenna--a great step backward from the Greeks and the Romans.  At the same time, this was when the magnificent and soaring cathedrals of Europe were taking shape.  It was interesting to see how the same culture that could create the massive engineering marvels that are the cathedrals of Europe did not understand perspective and scale.  Quite a contrast.

William's Fortress in Caen

Caen was William's primary seat of authority and the site of this largest fortress.  This large fortress, now located in the center of Caen, is a museum center, garden, and playground.  It was also a great place to let the children explore.  There is not much left left of historical significance, but it is impressive to see.

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