Richard of Normandy

Richard of Normandy was the second son of William the Conqueror, the King of England, and his wife Matilda of Flanders. His life was cut short by a hunting accident in the New Forest, where he collided with an overhanging branch, leading to his death around 1070 or shortly thereafter. He was laid to rest at Winchester Cathedral.

Despite sometimes being mistakenly referred to as the ‘Duke of Bernay’, this title was based on a misinterpreted 16th-century inscription on his tomb, which was actually meant for Earl Beorn, nephew of Cnut the Great. Richard’s death preceded that of his younger brother, King William Rufus, who also met his end in the New Forest, but in 1100.