Fulbert of Falaise
Titles: Chamberlain of the Duke of Normandy
Fulbert of Falaise, active in the 11th century, served as the Chamberlain to the Duke of Normandy. He was the maternal grandfather of William the Conqueror, born from the relationship between Robert I, Duke of Normandy, and Fulbert's daughter, Herleva. Fulbert's role as Chamberlain likely followed William's birth, and his family was connected to the town of Falaise, where William was born.
Orderic Vitalis, a Norman chronicler, provides an enigmatic account of Fulbert's ancestry. During the siege of Alençon, William's adversaries insulted him by calling him a pelliciarius, linking his mother's family to the trade of pollinctores. This term was variously interpreted, with some historians suggesting Fulbert was a tanner, while others propose he was involved in embalming or laying out bodies for burial.
Fulbert's death details are not recorded, and his burial place is unknown. His family continued through his daughter Herleva and apparent sons Osbern and Walter.
Notable events
- 11th centuryFulbert of Falaise served as Chamberlain to the Duke of Normandy.
- 1026-1027William the Conqueror was born in Falaise to Herleva, Fulbert's daughter.
- Early 12th centuryOrderic Vitalis added accounts of Fulbert's family in Gesta Normannorum Ducum.
- 1051-1052Siege of Alençon where William's ancestry was insulted by calling him a pelliciarius.
- Early 12th centuryWace described Fulbert as a tanner/skinner/furrier based on Orderic's accounts.
- Early 12th centuryBenoît de Sainte-Maure referred to Fulbert as a tailor.
- 17th centuryFlawed transcripts of Orderic led to Fulbert being often referred to as a tanner.
- UnknownFulbert's daughter Herleva was accepted as a guardian by the Count of Flanders.
- UnknownFulbert's sons, Osbern or Osborn and Walter, attested documents for their nephew William.
- UnknownWalter of Falaise, possibly Fulbert's son, hid William during an assassination threat.
Other details
Death: Fulbert's death details are not recorded, and his burial place is unknown.
Children: 1 daughter, Herleva; 2 sons, Osbern or Osborn and Walter.