Falaise Castle - Chateau Guillaume-le-Conquerant

Today was planned as our 'long day'. Falaise is just under an hour from our campsite, inland a bit. Henry had chosen it as somewhere he wanted to visit. Little did we know how well it has slotted into the historical pattern of our week. Close to Falaise castle is the birthplace of William the Conqueror. The Bayeux Tapestry, which we visited yesterday, tells the story of his rise, the bloody battle of Hastings, and Harold's demise, and his eventual crowning as William the Conqueror in 1066. This castle is one of a group of Norman castles that are now part of a United European project. Look up www.normanconnections.com You will see why I was fascinated, as together with Rochester and Colchester castles is also Norwich castle. There is a big wall hanging in the entrance, with Norwich castle ( see my extra photo - it's not great, but you can see its Norwich castle) What a coincidence, and I didn't even plan it!

We spent at least 2 hours here. It isn't huge, but it's done very well, guiding you from room to room. We each had an iPad, which gave a simulation of each room as it would have been, and loads of other info. A clever idea. I can't say I am now able to relate which king/Duke, fought which of his cousins etc to become the next king, as there were so many, all with similar names, all gathering armies to take over different bits of France or England, every few years, but it was interesting reading about it.

It was boiling when we came out. We had a quick walk around the town centre, but few shops were open. It feels very much like the end of the season. We then had a picnic by the chateau. Relaxed in a bit of shade. Jon boiled a little billy for a cup of tea.

We drove home after a brief stop at Leclerc. How we are going to keep the chocolate from melting, I don't know! Our cold stuff is still just staying fresh by living under the hedge. The same can't be said for us. We were straight in the pool when we got back to get cool.

Henry cooked tea ( sausages, macaroni and sweetcorn). Exciting camp food again! We might eat out Thursday if we have enough money left.

I've just finished my book. Woohoo. Next I'm going to read another book I'm half way through, about Elizabethan England, that I bought in April when we were in Stratford. I just cant seem to get enough of this history lark!