Statue of William the Conqueror in Falaise, Normandy.
The statue of William the Conqueror is located in his birthplace, Falaise, Calvados, about 30 kilometres (19 miles) southeast of Caen, France.[1] It depicts William the Conqueror, Duke of Normandy and King of England, on a horse, and is surrounded by statues of his six ducal predecessors. It is the work of the French sculptor fr (Louis Rochet).[1]
Description[]
The monument is a bronze statue on a granite pedestal. Surrounding the pedestal are six other statues representing the first six dukes of Normandy: Rollo, William I, Richard I, Richard II, Richard III, and Robert I. There is also a commemorative plaque.
William carries a gonfalon (banner) donated by Pope Alexander II.[1] The sculptor, in order to make the work appear realistic, based his design on the Bayeux tapestry.[1]
Created with the help of a national subscription, it was unveiled on October 26, 1851. The six other statues are a later addition of September 19, 1875.[1]
.jpg "Rollon Falaise (Calvados).jpg (1.46 MB)")
Plaque[]
The plaque
The French inscription on the plaque translates into English as follows:
This monument was erected by national subscription
The equestrian statue on October 26, 1851
The statues of six dukes of Normandy on September 19, 1875
Location[]
The statue is located on Place Guillaume-le-Conquérant in Falaise, near the town hall, the Trinity Church, and Château de Falaise.
The Place Guillaume-le-Conquérant in Falaise.
Protection[]
The monument has been registered as a historic monument since 18 July 2006. The statue is owned by the municipality of Falaise.[1]
References[]
Template:Norman Dukes