Robert Curthose
The period of English history around the time of the Norman Conquest cannot be discussed without
reference to Robert Curthose. Robert was William the Conqueror's eldest son and it would be an over-simplification
to say that there was "some tension" between them.
Not only did William have "issues" with Robert but Robert also had disagreements with his younger brothers
William (Rufus) and Henry (Henry I of England).
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What it says on the Wikipedia page:
Text in green is from Wikipedia, links and other text tempusfugit.....
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Robert Curthose, or Robert II of Normandy (c.1051 – February 1134, French: Robert Courteheuse /
Robert II de Normandie), was the eldest son of William the Conqueror and succeeded his father as
Duke of Normandy in 1087, reigning until 1106. Robert was also an unsuccessful claimant to the throne of the
Kingdom of England.
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Henry I was the king of England at the time.
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The epithet "Curthose" had its origins in the Norman French word courtheuse 'short stockings' and was apparently
derived from a nickname given to Robert by his father; the chroniclers William of Malmesbury and Orderic Vitalis
reported that William the Conqueror had derisively called Robert brevis-ocrea ("short boot").
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Robert's reign as Duke is noted for the discord with his brothers William II and Henry I in England. Robert
mortgaged his duchy to finance his participation in the First Crusade, where he was an important commander.
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Eventually, his disagreements with Henry I led to defeat in the Battle of Tinchebray in 1106, and lifelong
captivity, with Normandy temporarily absorbed as a possession of England.
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