Robert of Normandy

Also known as: Earl Robert / Earl Robert of Normandy / Robert / Robert, the son of King William / the king's brother · Family: Normans · Role: earl · First appears: A.D. 1074–1082

In 1079, Robert left his father, William of Normandy, and went to his uncle Robert in Flanders because his father would not let him govern his Norman earldom. At Gerberoy that year he fought his father, wounding him; William’s horse was killed, as was Tookie Wiggodson, who brought him another. After William’s death, Robert took the earldom in Normandy. In 1088, a conspiracy sought to betray William son of William and make Robert king.

In 1090, William seized St. Valeri and Albemarle from Robert. Robert appealed to his lord, Philip, who came to Normandy with an army, but abandoned Robert and returned to France after William sent to him. In 1091, Robert and William reconciled under a treaty dividing castles, lands, and succession claims. Their agreement did not hold: in 1094 they parted in dissatisfaction, while Robert, with the help of the King of France, captured Roger of Poitou and the king’s knights at Argence. In 1095, King Henry fought against Robert and harmed him in land and men. In 1096, William and Robert reconciled once more, and William purchased Normandy from him on condition that they be united.

In 1104, Robert reconciled with Robert of Belesme, making him and Henry adversaries. Henry campaigned against Robert in 1105, taking Caen, Baieux, and much of Normandy; in 1106, they parted in hostility over the lands Henry had taken. At Tenerchebrai that year, Henry defeated Robert’s forces and took him prisoner. In 1126, Henry had Robert removed from Bishop Roger’s custody and imprisoned in Bristol castle. Robert’s son was named William.