Falaise

In about 1027 the Duke of Normandy, who was known as Robert the Magnificent in public and Robert the Devil when he wasn't listening, was riding home through the town of Falaise. His castle was on the hilltop above the town. Passing the washing-place by the river (now called the Fontaine d'Arlette, first picture) he saw Arlette Herlève, who was either doing the washing or singing and dancing, choose your legend. Maybe she was singing and washing. Anyway, the Duke stopped dead, said, 'I want that', and issued the usual order to have the wench scrubbed and sent up to the castle. He was, after all, entitled to the virginity of his subjects.

However, Arlette's father, the local tanner (or undertaker, take your pick again), was no fool. Instead of sneaking the girl to the Duke in secret, he dressed her up in her best clothes, sat her on a horse, loaded a cart with her clothes and possessions, and delivered her to the castle in broad daylight. So Robert, instead of a one-night stand, found himself saddled with an official mistress. When their son was born, the Duke recognised him, named him Guillaume and brought him up in the Court. He was known as William the Bastard, but in 1035 succeeded his father as Duke and became William the Conqueror.

What happened to Arlette? She was married off to a minor noble and died in 1050.

The statue behind the church is of Robert the Magnificent/Devil.