THE LADIES' ABBEY - 1066
A consecration that was to seal William the Conqueror's alliance with the Church.
>> Site location
Site history
'This beautiful grave shelters with dignity
Matilda, of royal blood and of remarkable moral value.
Her father was Duke of Flanders, and her mother Adèle
Daughter of Robert King of France
And sister of Henry who took seat on the royal throne.
United in marriage to the magnificent King William,
She founded an abbey and built this church,
Of so many lands and precious goods
Endowed and hallowed by her will.
She was providence to the miserable, full of goodness.
Dealing out her treasures, she was poor to herself
And rich to the needy.
Thus she gained her Eternal dwelling,
On the first day of November following the hour of prime*'.
*The office of prime is the first daily office celebrated in the early hours.
Pratical information on the site
Adress:
Conseil Régional de Basse Normandie
Place Reine Mathilde
14000 Caen
Tel : 02 31 06 98 98
p.laroche@crbn.fr
Opening hours and rates
Open from 02/01 to 31/12
Closed on 01/01, 01/05, 25/12
Free of charge