The statue of William the Conqueror was inaugurated in 1851 by the Parisian artist Louis Rocher, known in particular for having designed the statue of Charlemagne on the forecourt of Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris. It was only 24 years later (in 1875) that the granite base and the 6 characters representing the Dukes of Normandy who preceded Guillaume were added to the original version of the statue.
The building, classified as a Historic Monument, is made of bronze, is 7 meters high and weighs more than 6 tons. It depicts William leading his troops towards the Battle of Hastings. Battle that he will also win on October 14, 1066 and following which he will be crowned King of England at Westminster Abbey.
The position of the horse on a statue often defines how its rider died. Here, William the Conqueror is depicted on his horse with both front legs rearing up, signifying that he died in battle.