Relax...and release your inner Norman
Among the shockers thrown up by Who Do You Think You Are? down through the years is that Ryan Tubridy – as well as having republican ancestors – has a direct link to the English throne! Turns out, the Late Late presenter’s royal line stems back to Edward III and, before that, King John of England. Given the six degrees of separation said to exist between all people, it’s entirely possible many more of us, whether we like it or not, could have a secret link to royalty.
Personally, I feel a connection with William the Conqueror. He sailed with his army from Normandy in 1066 and defeated King Harold at the Battle of Hastings. I nurture an inner Norman. Whenever I visit Normandy I immediately feel as if I’ve come home, especially if I’m staying in the William the Conqueror-like environs of a Relais et Chateau hotel.
The Chateau d’Audrieu is more of a manor house than a castle but there used to be a proper castle here as this was once the home of William the Conqueror’s personal chef.
Audrieu is about 30 minutes’ drive from Bayeux. It’s an unwritten rule that if you’re ever less than an hour from Bayeux, you have to visit the Tapestry – well, not a tapestry, of course, but an embroidery. It’s incredible that this visual retelling of the Battle of Hastings has survived the best part of 1,000 years, although it had some dodgy moments: during the French Revolution someone even used it to cover a cart.
The Chateau d’Audrieu has its own tragic link with history. In the immediate aftermath of D-Day, 23 Canadian infantry men and two British soldiers were summarily executed in the grounds of the hotel, which was held by the Germans.
Bayeux should have been taken on D-Day but the successful landings in Normandy in June 1944 were only half the battle. The tanks were no match for the region’s high, thick hedges and, at Tillysur-Seulles, there was a ferocious tank battle that continued for days.
Back to the present and the lavish refurbishment of the Chateau includes a new treehouse and deck that offers dreamy views over the lush Norman countryside.
Certainly digs fit for a king… or someone descended from one!