Fulbert of Falaise
Encyclopedia
Fulbert of Falaise was the father of Herleva
, mother of the illegitimate William the Conqueror, the 11th-century Duke of Normandy and King of England. The Walter of Falaise named by Orderic Vitalis
is likely a son.
Fulbert has traditionally been held to be a tanner
, based on translations of Orderic's additions to the Gesta Normannorum Ducum
. He writes that during the siege of Alençon
(1051-2), the natives had been mutilated by William after they called him a pelliciarius (pelterer), because his mother's kinsmen had been pollinctores (corpse preparers). One later poetic source interpreted the occupation to be that of tailor, but in part due to flawed transcripts of the original, many historians have concluded he was a tanner,. Others have favored a more literal reading, that Herleva's family had been undertakers or embalmers.
Orderic also added to the Gesta that Fulbert served as Duke's chamberlain
(cubicularii ducis). It has been suggested that this occurred after William's birth. Perhaps linking Orderic's two additions, contemporary practice made the chamberlain one of the persons responsible for burials.
Herleva
Herleva also known as Herleve, Arlette, Arletta and Arlotte, was the mother of William I of England. She had two other sons, Odo of Bayeux and Robert, Count of Mortain, who became prominent in William's realm....
, mother of the illegitimate William the Conqueror, the 11th-century Duke of Normandy and King of England. The Walter of Falaise named by Orderic Vitalis
Orderic Vitalis
Orderic Vitalis was an English chronicler of Norman ancestry who wrote one of the great contemporary chronicles of 11th and 12th century Normandy and Anglo-Norman England. The modern biographer of Henry I of England, C...
is likely a son.
Fulbert has traditionally been held to be a tanner
Tanning
Tanning is the making of leather from the skins of animals which does not easily decompose. Traditionally, tanning used tannin, an acidic chemical compound from which the tanning process draws its name . Coloring may occur during tanning...
, based on translations of Orderic's additions to the Gesta Normannorum Ducum
Gesta Normannorum Ducum
Gesta Normannorum Ducum is a chronicle originally created by the monk William of Jumièges just before 1060. In 1070 William I had William of Jumièges extend the work to detail his rights to the throne of England. In later times, Orderic Vitalis and Robert of Torigni Gesta Normannorum Ducum (Deeds...
. He writes that during the siege of Alençon
Alençon
Alençon is a commune in Normandy, France, capital of the Orne department. It is situated west of Paris. Alençon belongs to the intercommunality of Alençon .-History:...
(1051-2), the natives had been mutilated by William after they called him a pelliciarius (pelterer), because his mother's kinsmen had been pollinctores (corpse preparers). One later poetic source interpreted the occupation to be that of tailor, but in part due to flawed transcripts of the original, many historians have concluded he was a tanner,. Others have favored a more literal reading, that Herleva's family had been undertakers or embalmers.
Orderic also added to the Gesta that Fulbert served as Duke's chamberlain
Chamberlain (office)
A chamberlain is an officer in charge of managing a household. In many countries there are ceremonial posts associated with the household of the sovereign....
(cubicularii ducis). It has been suggested that this occurred after William's birth. Perhaps linking Orderic's two additions, contemporary practice made the chamberlain one of the persons responsible for burials.