The family of Arlette

Arlette became the “frilla” of Robert; a legitimate wife according to the old Norman traditions, but a concubine according to Christian traditions. Their union produced a son, William, the future conqueror and King of England : the legitimate heir to the duchy of Normandy to some, a bastard to others.

On the death of Robert, Arlette married Herluin de Conteville, a lord of modest means, by whom she had two sons, Robert de Mortain and Odon, the future bishop of Bayeux. Both sons became close companions of their half brother.