In less than a year from that time, William went to Normandy to quell
an invasion led by his eldest son, Robert. As he rode down a steep
street in Mantes, his horse stumbled and he received a fatal injury.
He was carried to the priory of St. Gervase, just outside the city of
Rouen.
Early in the morning he was awakened by the great cathedral bell. "It
is an hour of praise," his attendant said to him, "when the priests
give thanks for the new day." William lifted up his hands in prayer
and expired.