Herleva

Herleva (or Arlette) was the mother of William the Conqueror. She was the teenage daughter of a local tanner from a little French town of Falaise, where they lived. It all started when Robert, the young Duke of Normandy saw Herleva washing in the river near his castle. He was unable to resist her and took her for his mistress. She later gave birth to his son, William in 1027/28. Their love affair didn't last, while Robert went on a pilgrimage Herleva married Herluin de Conteville in 1029. From this marriage she had two sons; Odo and Robert.