The Bayeux Tapestry tells the epic story, in wool thread embroidered on linen cloth, of William, Duke of Normandy who became King of England in 1066 after the Battle of Hastings.

Around the Year One Thousand, the dukes’ fortress is particularly effective and protects a vast domain. Built on the model of “motte and bailey” castles, the fortress is therefore protected by solid ramparts and dominated, at the top of the rocky spur, by a “keep”, the base of which at least is built with stone. As a place of power for the new rulers of the country, the city is the place of birth of the most famous of them: William the conqueror (1027-1087). At this time, Falaise is a prosperous town that has 3,000 or 4,000 inhabitants.

We all have our own idea of what the Vikings were like – flaming red hair, beards, weapons, warships and warriors may come to mind. Legends, literature and films all paint the Vikings, the forebears of modern-day Normans, as barbaric invaders, but what were they really like? We went to find out for ourselves at Parc Ornavik near Caen…