William of Talou at Arques and began organizing his own rebellion. Duke William repeatedly sent messengers summoning his uncle, Count William, to attend him and show his allegiance; but in his arrogance the Count of Talou scorned each of these and secured himself in his castle. The events that followed are as recalled by the Conqueror himself in his deathbed speech in 1087: William of Talou William of Talou, Count of Talou (a.k.a. Arques) was a powerful member of the Norman ducal family who exerted his influence during the early reign of William the Conqueror Duke of Normandy. He was the son of
William Malet (companion of William the Conqueror) "Domesday Book" also mentions a Durand Malet, who held land in Lincolnshire and possibly some neighbouring shires. This may be William Malet's brother, but this is not certain. On screen, Malet has been portrayed by Peter Halliday in the two-part BBC TV play "Conquest" (1966), part of the series "Theatre 625", and by Gawn Grainger in the TV drama "Blood Royal: William the Conqueror" (1990). He had married Hesilia (Helise or Elisee). He was succeeded by his son Robert as Lord of Eye and Sheriff of Suffolk. His other son Gilbert founded the Malets of Shepton Mallet. He died around