A hermitage in the 6th century, the Graville site became a pilgrimage destination in the 9th century, when it housed the relics of sainte Honorine. Guillaume Malet de Graville, a companion of William the Conqueror, gave the site all of its grandeur after returning victoriously from the battle of Hastings. The church that he built has characteristics of Norman romanesque architecture, with the exception of Gothic choir.