Fécamp Abbey

It was Richard II who invited the zealous Saint William of Volpiano in 1001 to rekindle the life of the abbey under the Cluniac Benedictine rules.

[3] These two Norman rulers, who were originally buried outside,[4] were later interred in 1162 by Henry II of England within the southern transept of the Gothic abbey church.

In February 2016, French, Danish and Norwegian researchers opened the lead boxes in order to conduct DNA analysis of the remains.

With its large, wealthy manor lands and thriving port, this grant was to take effect after the death of Aelfwine, Bishop of Winchester, who had charge of Steyning.

This made commercial and strategic sense (Harold did not want a Norman toehold at a potential invasion port), but William responded by swearing on a knife before setting out for England to recover it for the monks.

Abbey church, Fécamp
The chancel of the church at Fécamp Abbey.