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Robert Curthose, Duke of Normandy

Robert Curthose, Duke of Normandy

By Charles Wendell David

Cambridge: Harvard University Press, 1920

This book covers the life of Robert Curthose, son of William the Conqueror, who was the Duke of Normandy from 1087 to 1106, when he was defeated and captured by his brother Henry I, King of England.  

Contents

CHAPTER 1: YOUTH

Parentage and birth – Tutors and education – Initiation into politics – Official position under the Conqueror – Bright promise of Robert’s youth 

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CHAPTER 2: REBELLION AND EXILE

Robert’s character and personal appearance – First rebellion and exile – Gerberoy – Robert in the active service of the king – Second rebellion and exile – Death of the Conqueror  

CHAPTER 3: INDEPENDENT RULE, 1087-95

Robert’s accession to the duchy – Unsuccessful attempt to gain the English crown – William Rufus against Robert Curthose – Robert and William as allies – The loss of Maine – Weakness and failure of Robert’s government – Renewed war with William Rufus 

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CHAPTER IV: THE CRUSADE 

The Crusade launched in Normandy – Preparations for the Crusade – From Normandy to Nicaea – From Nicaea to Antioch – Antioch, 1097-98 – The advance upon Jerusalem – The capture of Jerusalem – The battle of Ascalon – Robert’s return from Jerusalem to Italy – Estimate of Robert as a crusader 

CHAPTER 5: FAILURE TO GAIN THE ENGLISH CROWN

Death of William Ruf us and accession of Henry I – Robert’s return from the Crusade – The end of Norman rule in Maine  – Conspiracy to gain the English crown – Norman invasion of England – The treaty of Alton 1101 

CHAPTER 6: THE LOSS OF NORMANDY

Sequel to the treaty of Alton – Robert Curthose and Robert of Bellme – Private war in Normandy and intervention of Henry I – Robert and the church – Preparations of Henry I for the conquest of Normandy – English invasion of Normandy, 1105 – The campaign of Tinchebray, 1106 

CHAPTER 7: LAST YEARS AND DEATH  

Settlement of Normandy after Tinchebray – Disposal of the captives – William Clito, last hope of a lost cause – Robert’s vicissitudes in captivity  – Death of Robert Curthose 

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CHAPTER 8: ROBERT CURTHOSE IN LEGEND  

Early growth of legends concerning Robert – His legendary exploits on the Crusade – His refusal of the crown of Jerusalem – Legends connected with his long imprisonment – The tale of the scarlet robe 

 

 

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