Robert Curthose
| Robert Curthose | |
|---|---|
Robert Curthose in a medieval manuscript, c. 1300–1340 | |
| Duke of Normandy | |
| Tenure | 9 September 1087 – 1106 |
| Predecessor | William the Conqueror |
| Successor | Henry I |
| Born | c. 1051 Duchy of Normandy |
| Died | February 1134 (aged ~83) Cardiff Castle, Glamorgan |
| Burial | Gloucester Cathedral, Gloucestershire |
| Spouse | Sybilla of Conversano |
| Issue | William Clito |
| House | Normandy |
| Father | William the Conqueror |
| Mother | Matilda of Flanders |
Robert Curthose (c. 1051 – February 1134, French: Robert Courteheuse), the eldest son of William the Conqueror, was Duke of Normandy as Robert II from 1087 to 1106.
Robert was also an unsuccessful pretender to the throne of the Kingdom of England. The epithet "Curthose" originated in the Norman French word courtheuse ("short stockings"). The chroniclers William of Malmesbury and Orderic Vitalis wrote that his father had derisively called him brevis-ocrea ("short boot").
Robert's reign is noted for the discord with his brothers, the English kings William II and Henry I. He mortgaged his duchy to finance his participation in the First Crusade, where he was an important commander. In 1106, his disagreements with Henry led to defeat in the Battle of Tinchebray and lifelong captivity, with Normandy temporarily absorbed into England's possession.