RYES, THE 'SENTE AU BATARD'
A decisive place of refuge in times of conspiracy and rebellion – late 1046 to early 1047
>> Site location
Site history
William was only 8 when his father, Robert, died in the Holy Land. He was to face hostility from his own uncles and cousins who refused to acknowledge him as Robert's rightful heir. In 1046, William fled Valognes in the midst of the night, miraculously escaping an assassination attempt. He finally reached his castle in Falaise, safe and sound, after having sought refuge on his way at Hubert de Ryes' castle. The road that the young duke had travelled during his historic flight on horseback was later to be renamed « la sente au bâtard » (William the bastard's pathway).
Pratical information on the site
Adress:
14400 RYES