Robert Curthose
| Robert Curthose | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Duke of Normandy | |
| Tenure | 9 September 1087 – 1106 |
| Predecessor | William I |
| Successor | Henry I |
| Born |
c. 1051 Normandy, France |
| Died | 3 February 1134 (aged c. 83) Cardiff Castle, Glamorgan |
| Burial | Gloucester Cathedral, Gloucestershire |
| Spouse | Sybilla of Conversano |
| Issue | William Clito |
| House | Norman Dynasty |
| Father | William the Conqueror |
| Mother | Matilda of Flanders |
Robert Curthose (c. 1051 – 3 February 1134), sometimes called Robert II or Robert III, was the Duke of Normandy from 1087 until 1106 and an unsuccessful claimant to the throne of the Kingdom of England.
Robert was the eldest son of William the Conqueror, the first Norman king of England, and Matilda of Flanders, and a participant in the First Crusade. His reign as duke is noted for the discord with his brothers in England, eventually leading to his death in captivity and the absorption of Normandy as a possession of England.
Robert's birth-date is usually given as 1054, but may have been 1051. As a child he was betrothed to Margaret, the heiress of Maine, but she died before they could be wed, and Robert didn't marry until his late forties. In his youth he was reported to be courageous and skillful in military exercises. He was, however, also prone to laziness and weakness of character that discontented nobles and the King of France exploited to stir discord with his father William. He was unsatisfied with the share of power allotted to him and quarreled with his father and brothers fiercely. In 1063, his father made him the Count of Maine in view of his engagement to Margaret. The county was presumably run by his father until 1069 when the county revolted and reverted to Hugh V of Maine.
In 1077, Robert instigated his first insurrection against his father as the result of a prank played by his younger brothers William Rufus and Henry, who had dumped a full chamber-pot over his head. Robert was enraged and, urged on by his companions, started a brawl with his brothers that was only interrupted by the intercession of their father. Feeling that his dignity was wounded, Robert was further angered when King William failed to punish his brothers. The next day Robert and his followers attempted to seize the castle of Rouen. The siege failed, but, when King William ordered their arrest, Robert and his companions took refuge with Hugh of Chateauneuf-en-Thymerais. They were forced to flee again when King William attacked their base at Rémalard.
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