Bayeux Cathedral

Bayeux, in Northwest France, is in the Calvados department of the Normandy region. Once an important Roman city, it was captured in 880 by Rollo the Viking, who became the first duke of Normandy in 911. Bayeux was a Norman stronghold. The people spoke the Norse language.

A descendant of Rollo, William the Conqueror was born in this area and his castle exists to this day. Other medieval structures also line the cobblestoned streets from as early as the 13th century. Stone was not as prevalent as in other regions of France and construction depended upon available materials. Half-timbered was the method employed.

This term refers to the wood timbers on the inside and outside of the buildings. In between the timbers are materials such as plaster, cob, or wattle and daub. To provide space on the narrow streets, the base consumes less space. The next floors may expand outward with each floor as they climb in height. Often timbers were not the same length or width, which provided unique designs. The appearance was not as important as the strength.

Another medieval structure present in Bayeux is the Notre Dame Cathedral. Norman-Romanesque in style, the cathedral hails to the 11th century. William, Duke of Normandy and King of England, was present for the consecration in 1077. Over the years the cathedral suffered damage. The first restoration resulted in the Gothic style evident on the upper levels and capped towers.

Visitors enter through one of the smaller doors at the front. In the middle of the front façade, two massive wood doors stake their claim under a rose window. Sadly, very little original stained glass remains in the cathedral.

A 180-degree turn provides a view of the nave. The bottom level is the original Romanesque presentation. The Gothic addition towers above. Historians believe that the Bayeux Tapestry hung within the nave. Imagine the 224-foot tapestry lining these stone walls. Observe the ornate pulpit on the left of the nave.

The crypt (beneath the altar) stored relics. It is one of the only remaining portions of the 11th century cathedral. The others are the towers at the western end and the first level of the nave.

Considering a trip to Bayeux? Which place would you visit first? Learn more in other Heroes, Heroines, and History posts: William the Conqueror, The Bayeux Lacemakers, The Bayeux Tapestry, and Liberty Trees. 

As a child, Rebecca loved to write. She nurtured this skill as an educator and later as an editor for an online magazine. Rebecca then joined the Cru Ministry - NBS2GO/Neighbor Bible Studies 2GO, at its inception. She serves as the YouVersion Content Creator, with over 75 Plans on the Bible.com app.

Rebecca lives in the mountains with her husband, the youngest of their two sons, and a rescued dog named Ranger. If it were up to her, she would be traveling - right now. As a member of ACFW, FHLCW, Jerry’s Guild, and Hope*Writers, Rebecca learns the craft of fiction while networking with a host of generous writers. She is working on her first fiction novel. This story unfolds from the 1830s in Northern Georgia.

Connect with Rebecca: 
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William the Conqueror's Birthplace

 by Rebecca May Davie

Welcome to the birthplace of William the Conqueror. This is the Calvados department of Normandy, France. The area is now known as the city of Caen.

Who was William the Conqueror? He became the first Norman
King of England. He was born in 1027 to Duke Robert the Magnificent and a Falaise tanner’s daughter, Arlette. Duke Robert died when William was a mere eight years old. William then began adding on to Le Chateau de Falaise (his family’s castle) and in addition, ordered the construction of two churches. His early years were turbulent with the deaths of many of his teachers and aids. King Henry I of France helped him navigate and knighted William in his teens.

The King of England, Edward the Confessor, did not have children and promised William succession. He died and William expected to secede. Yet, Harold Godwin was placed on the throne even though he
himself swore fealty to William just two years before. After, they met at the Battle of Hastings on October 14, 1066. Harold was fatally wounded with an arrow. William was “The Conqueror.” Just ten weeks later, on Christmas day, William was crowned the King of England at Westminster Abbey.

Immediately following his coronation, he began to invade England. He built castles with fortifications, installed allies, and squelched revolts with bloody battles. Life for the English changed without delay. He overhauled their language, religion, and other facets of daily life. King William built over 700 motte and bailey castles including the notable Tower of London and Windsor Castle. The structures began in wood that was replaced with stone. He required a census of people and property that was compiled into the Domesday Book. He died at the age of 60.

 

There are many methods to learn about life of William the Conqueror. A visit to Bayeux and The Bayeux Tapestry on display at the museum give a glimpse into his timeline. This embroidered fabric is 70 meters long and shows William’s conquest. Susan Page Davis wrote a post  on Heroes, Heroines, and History, The Bayeux Tapestry. 

While in Caen, visitors can experience where William lived. Tour Le Chateau de Falaise. Tablets available at check in, point to emblems throughout the building. These enable scenes to appear as the rooms were in William’s time. Imagine walking into a large Bed Chamber (half the square footage of a basketball gym) with a similarly high ceiling. Surrounded by stone walls, a fireplace camps along the side. A solitary bed adorns one wall. Two chairs flank the bed. This is all that is visible to the naked eye. Yet with the tablet, there are tapestries, rugs, curtains, and chairs. This volume of fabric assisted in keeping the immense, stone rooms warm. Heat also radiated from fireplaces and small braziers set in the middle of the spaces.

Wander up and down tight, steep stone staircases to see other open rooms. The Great Hall, Chapel, and apartments all offer virtual tours via touch tablet. In most rooms there is a film featuring a member of the Anglo-Norman court describing their daily life. These snippets give visitors an opportunity to learn about trades, clothing, food, and other features of the 11th century. In some halls there are protected etchings and carvings from the knights of the time – medieval graffiti, so to speak. Outside the Keep walls, viewing machines enable visitors to envision village life.

 

See the church of William’s youth at the base of the castle. L'église de la Trinité à Falaise, visible in the photo at right, was constructed in 840. It suffered damage and was rebuilt in 1204 in the gothic style.

  
Whatever the source, it is possible to learn a small measure about living in the 11th century. After visiting, the life of William the Conqueror may seem rife with strife. Opinions do continue to vary on his rule. Until a visit is possible, YouTube offers videos about his years and peeks inside the castle. Take a look…


As a child, Rebecca loved to write. She nurtured this skill as an educator and later as an editor for an online magazine. Rebecca then joined the Cru Ministry - NBS2GO/Neighbor Bible Studies 2GO, at its inception. She serves as the YouVersion Content Creator, with over 75 Plans on the Bible.com app.

Rebecca lives in the mountains with her husband, the youngest of their two sons, and a rescued dog
named Ranger. If it were up to her, she would be traveling - right now. As a member of ACFW, FHLCW, Jerry’s Guild, and Hope*Writers, Rebecca learns the craft of fiction while networking with a host of generous writers. She is working on her first fiction novel. This story unfolds from the 1830s in Northern Georgia.

Connect with Rebecca:

Clubhouse Facebook Goodreads Instagram Pinterest Twitter Website

Liberty Trees

By Rebecca May Davie

The last two posts were about Trail Trees that give directions to important locations: Part 1 and Part 2. This time the discussion centers around trees that point toward freedom. 

This spring as I planned for a trip to Europe with a fellow writer, I read about the “Liberty Tree” in Bayeux, France. Of course, I wanted to see it in person. It did not disappoint! The French planted “Un Platane,” an American Sycamore tree, in 1797. It is still thriving 225 years later. Opposing parties cut down or destroyed other Liberty Trees; so it is amazing that this magnificent tree survived.

If the individuals who placed this tree in the ground could see 

what is transpiring this summer of 2022, they would be in awe. First, the tree lives. Second, colorful light displays like holograms flash over the bark and across the leaves to celebrate peace. In the Place de la Liberté Square and upon the cathedral, spectators can view the show from nightfall through midnight.

Why did the French plant this tree? The French revolutionary government decided upon the symbol of Liberty Trees in 1792, based upon the American tradition. Many small trees were placed in Bayeux. This sole remaining Liberty Tree supplanted all others in 1797.

After returning from Europe, I visited Virginia with my family in July. While there, I read about a Liberty Tree at the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown. This 17-foot metal fabrication stands in celebration of the symbol. Twenty hanging lanterns display messages. View the images and a description on their website. While investigating, you can post a message on one of the lanterns of the tree. There is also a map of displayed messages from visitors across the globe.

What or who inspired this symbolic movement? How did it come about? Below, read a timeline of America’s first Liberty Tree in Boston, Massachusetts:

1664 – Individuals planted an elm on Orange Street in direct opposition of British rule. The settlers wanted to separate from the oppressors and rule themselves.

1765 – August, an effigy hung from the tree in opposition to the Stamp Act (passed by the British Parliament in March).

People posted notices and complaints on the tree. They gathered below the branches to discuss the state of events.

During the American Revolution there was violence, mobs, tar-and-feathers, and other demonstrations. A town meeting resulted in a vote against the violence. After, a copper plate affixed there stated, “Liberty Tree.”

1766 – Lanterns hung in the tree to celebrate the repealing of the Stamp Act.

1775 – British troops cut down the Liberty Tree.

Around Liberty Trees Americans plotted, planned, and protested in resistance to British rule. Other cities and communities installed Liberty Trees as the stories spread. As you read above, another country also adopted the symbol.

Have you visited a Liberty Tree? Please comment and share your experience.

For more information, read: The Story Behind a Forgotten Symbol of the American Revolution: The Liberty Tree.

As a child, Rebecca loved to write. She nurtured this skill as an educator

and later as an editor for an online magazine. Rebecca then joined the Cru Ministry - NBS2GO/Neighbor Bible Studies 2GO, at its inception. She serves as the YouVersion Content Creator, with over 75 Plans on the Bible.com app. 

Rebecca lives in the mountains with her husband, the youngest of their two sons, and a rescued dog named Ranger. If it were up to her, she would be traveling - right now. As a member of ACFW, FHLCW, Jerry’s Guild, and Hope*Writers, Rebecca learns the craft of fiction while networking with a host of generous writers. She is working on her first fiction novel. This story unfolds from the 1830s in Northern Georgia.

Connect with Rebecca:

Clubhouse Facebook Goodreads Instagram Pinterest Twitter Website 

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