Robert Curthose Family Tree & Biography (c1052-1134)

 

Robert Curthose was a member of the House of Normandy. He was the eldest son of William I (the Conqueror) and Matilda of Flanders and gained the nickname Curthose due to his short legs. He succeeded his father as Duke of Normandy in 1087 and retained the title until his death in 1106.

Contents

Robert Curthose Family Tree Image
Robert Curthose Family Tree in Table Form
Robert Curthose Short Biography

 

Robert Curthose Family Tree Image showing:

grandparents, parents, siblings, wife and child

 

Robert Curthose Family Tree in Table Form showing:

grandparents, parents, siblings, wife and child

 

Robert Curthose Short Biography

Early Years

Little is known of his early life, but, as the eldest son of the Duke of Normandy it is likely that he received a basic education as well as being learning military skills and horse-riding.

In 1063, at the age of 11 years he was betrothed to Margaret of Maine. He was created Count of Maine as part of the betrothal ceremony. Although Margaret died later that year Robert retained control of Maine.

In 1066, Robert’s father invaded England and defeated Harold Godwinson at the Battle of Hastings. William was crowned King of England on 25th December 1066. From this point onwards, Robert acted as regent in Normandy when his father was in England.

Rebellions and Conflict

In 1069 Robert lost control of Maine after the people rebelled against his rule. By 1077, Robert had fallen out with his brothers and his father. He mounted a failed attempt to take Rouen from his father and was forced to flee to Flanders to avoid arrest. The following year he tried to take the Vexin from his father. The conflict between father and son continued to 1080 when Matilda of Flanders intervened and managed to get the pair to agree a peace.

When William the Conqueror died in 1087, Robert succeeded as Duke of Normandy while his younger brother William became King. This angered Robert who felt that as the eldest son he should have inherited the rule of both England and Normandy.

Robert attempted a rebellion against William II but it failed and conflict between the brothers dragged on. In 1091, William II invaded Normandy. This led to Robert and William agreeing terms under the Treaty of Caen.

Crusade and Marriage

In 1095, Pope Urban II called for a Crusade to regain the Holy Lands by Muslims. Robert wanted to join the Crusade and leased his lands to his brother for funding. On his return journey, Robert married Sybilla de Conversano, daughter of Geoffrey of Brindisi. The pair had one child, William Clito.

On 2nd August 1100, William II of England was killed while hunting in the New Forest. Robert had not yet arrived back to Normandy and his younger brother, Henry, seized the English throne.

In 1101, Robert invaded England to take the throne of England from his brother. The pair agreed terms by the Treaty of Alton which provided that Henry would remain King but would pay Robert an annual pension.

Defeat, Imprisonment and Death

In 1105, Henry I invaded Normandy. Robert was defeated at the Battle of Tinchebrai in 1106. Robert was captured and imprisoned in Devises Castle. Henry took the title Duke of Normandy.

Although Robert’s supporters attempted to have William Clito made Duke of Normandy they were unsuccessful. In 1127 William was made Count of Flanders, but the following year he injured his foot. The wound festered and caused his death.

Robert Curthose remained in captivity in Devises Castle and then in Cardiff Castle until his death on 3rd February 1134.

 

Published October 2024 – Updated – [last-modified]