{102a} In the Cathedral of this City is still preserved the famous Baieux tapestry, said to be the work of Matilda, the Conqueror’s wife, in which are represented the exploits of her husband, in the Conquest of England. {102b} He remained a prisoner during the reign of the Conqueror. On the accession of William Rufus, he was set at liberty, and restored to favour; but, after a time, heading a conspiracy against the King, in support of Robert, Duke of Normandy, and being defeated, he once more retired to that country, where Duke Robert rewarded him by making him Governor of the province. {104a} Among the other parishes, Cockerington, Owmby, Withcall, Hainton, North Thoresby, Friesthorpe, Normanby, Ingham, Sixhills, &c., in all seventeen. {104b} The historian Camden (“Britannia,” fol. 711, 712), gives a curious origin of the name Pontefract, which means “Broken Bridge.” He says that William Archbishop of York, returning from Rome, was here met by such crowds, to crave his blessing, that the bridge over the river Aire broke beneath their weight, and great numbers fell into the river. The prayers of the saint preserved them from being drowned, and hence the name was given to the place. This however, occurred A.D. 1154, and, as documents exist of an earlier date, in which the name is found, as already in use, the legend would seem to be a fabrication. It is probable, says another historian, that Hildebert gave the name to the place, from its resemblance to some place in his own country where he was born; the name being of Latin or Norman origin. {104c} These connections, with authorities, are given fully in an article on the “Descent of the Earldom of Lincoln,” in “Proceedings of the Archæological Institute” for 1848, Lincoln volume pp. 252–278. {106} As an illustration of the fickleness and superstition of the times, although he was condemned as a traitor by Edward II., he was regarded as a martyr in the cause of liberty by the people, and was canonized as a Saint by Edward III., son of the King who condemned him. Miracles were said to be wrought at his tomb; and a Church was built, for pilgrims to the place where he was executed. (Rapin’s Hist. vol. i. for 396; Boothroyd’s “Hist. Pontefract” pp. 95, &c). {108} To show the power and lawlessness of some of these Lords of Kirkby and Tumby, it is recorded that the servants of this Simon de Driby took a waggon, with a hogshead of wine, from Louth to Tumby, by their master’s orders, and there forcibly detained it, “to the damage of 60s.” a large sum in those days. (“Hundred Rolls,” p. 333.)