[00:01.000]This sleepy village - Barfleur, in Normandy.
[00:04.000]Was once the greatest port on the Norman coast.
[00:06.000]It was from here that Matilda's grandfather, William, Duke of Normandy, set off to conquer England in 1066.
[00:14.000]54 years later, another Norman fleet set out from Barfleur to cross the channel.
[00:19.000]At it's head was the King of England, Henry I, in his great dragon-headed longship.
[00:24.000]And behind him, in a newly fitted-out vessel called the White Ship.
[00:28.000]Was his son and heir, William, with a large party of young noblemen.
[00:35.000]It was November, late in the year for what could be a treacherous crossing.
[00:40.000]But the water in Barfleur harbour was still and glassy, and there seemed no need for concern.
[00:49.000]The King set sail first at twilight, to be followed by William and his company of ebullient young aristocrats.
[00:56.000]But when the White Ship slipped out into the dark water, everyone on board was roaring drunk.