Equestrian statue of William the Conqueror

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 Louis Rochet [fr].[1]

Statue of William the Conqueror
Statue de Guillaume le Conquérant
Statue of William the Conqueror in Falaise
Map
48°53′38″N 0°12′06″W / 48.8940°N 0.2018°W / 48.8940; -0.2018
LocationNormandy
DesignerLouis Rochet
TypeStatue
MaterialBronze, granite
Beginning date1851
Completion date1875

Description

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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]

Plaque

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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

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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

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The monument has been registered as a historic monument since 18 July 2006. The statue is owned by the municipality of Falaise.[1]

References

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  1. ^ a b c d e f Base Mérimée: Statue de Guillaume le Conquérant, Ministère français de la Culture. (in French)