Duke Robert Curthose: The Thwarted King

An to Duke Robert Curthose

Long before King Richard the Lionheart, there was Duke Robert Curthose, the forgotten hero of medieval history. Born in 1051, he was the eldest son of William the Conqueror, the famous Norman King who conquered England in 1066.

Unlike his conqueror father, Robert Curthose was known for his chivalry, generosity, and love for his people. He possessed charismatic leadership qualities that won the hearts of his subjects. However, fate had a different path for him.

The Conqueror's Son: Duke Robert Curthose, Thwarted King

by Paul Noble (Kindle Edition)

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3369 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	266 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

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Thwarted Ambitions and Political Intrigues

Robert Curthose's story is filled with thwarted ambitions and political intrigues. Despite being the eldest son, he was denied his rightful throne by his own father, who instead passed the crown to his younger brother William Rufus upon his death in 1087.

Many believe that William the Conqueror questioned Robert's ability as a ruler, dubbing him "Curthose" due to his preference for wearing short boots. This unfortunate nickname would stick with him throughout his life and loomed over him as a constant reminder of his thwarted kingship.

Undeterred by his father's decision, Robert Curthose fought gallantly alongside his brother William Rufus in battles for England's glory. Their cooperation seemed harmonious until William Rufus met his untimely death in 1100, leading to yet another heartbreak for Robert.

Now, with his younger brother Henry I seizing the throne under controversial circumstances, Robert Curthose found himself pushed further away from his rightful position as King of England.

A Forgotten Crusader

Amidst political turmoil, Robert Curthose's desire for glory didn't wane. In 1096, he set off on the First Crusade, joining the noble cause to reclaim Jerusalem from the Seljuk Turks. His valiant efforts saw him leading a successful assault on the city of Antioch.

Tragically, despite his accomplishments, Robert never received the recognition he deserved. Weaknesses in his leadership and the manipulations of other crusaders diminished his role in history. His dreams of returning triumphantly to England and ascending to the throne were fading away.

Years of Imprisonment and Eventually Forgotten

In 1106, Robert Curthose's desperate attempts to regain his lost kingdom led to a decisive battle against his younger brother Henry I at Tinchebray. Defeated, he was imprisoned and spent the next 28 years in captivity, primarily in Cardiff Castle.

Duke Robert Curthose eventually died in captivity in 1134, forgotten and betrayed by the very family he fought alongside in battles. His body was laid to rest in Gloucester Cathedral, where it remains to this day, a silent reminder of a forgotten hero.

The Legacy of Duke Robert Curthose

While overshadowed by his father and brothers, Duke Robert Curthose's legacy lives on. He may never have become the King of England, but his courage, unwavering spirit, and commitment to justice inspire us today.

Robert Curthose serves as a reminder that history often overlooks those who are deserving, and the true extent of their contributions becomes lost over time. His thwarted aspirations and unjust treatment by his own family serve as a powerful narrative of resilience and the quest for justice.

Let us remember Duke Robert Curthose, the forgotten hero of medieval history, who dared to dream of a different destiny, only to see it cruelly taken away. His story shall forever echo in the halls of forgotten greatness, waiting for those curious enough to discover his legacy.

The Conqueror's Son: Duke Robert Curthose, Thwarted King

by Paul Noble (Kindle Edition)

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3369 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	266 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

Duke Robert of Normandy, eldest son of William the Conqueror, was one of the greatest kings England never had. Instead, his reputation was distorted by the English chroniclers to give legitimacy to the claims to the throne of Robert’s two brothers, William Rufus and Henry I. This man, known to history as a rebel, a lazy ruler and an incompetent idler, is shown by Katherine Lack to have been the victim of a carefully constructed web of medieval spin. He has had 900 years of bad publicity as an undutiful son, harassing his father with acts of insubordination and spending money so recklessly that he had to sell his lands in Normandy to his brothers. The portrait that emerges in Conqueror’s Son is that of a worthy son of a great father, whose peace-making exploits on the Scottish borders, faithfulness and courage as a leading crusader, and return in triumph with a foreign beauty as his bride, give a whole new dimension to our view of England under the Normans. Katherine Lack sets out to redress the balance of opinion on Robert Curthose (‘short boots’ or ‘stubby legs’ – the Normans were fond of giving pejorative nicknames). What emerges is a fascinating revision of our understanding of William the Conqueror and his complex relations with his sons. In particular, this book paints a vivid picture of the royal and aristocratic families of northern Europe and their carefully maintained, though always fragile, alliances.