Historical Figures

Robert II Courteheuse or Courtecuisse (1051 - 1134)

Elder son of William the Conqueror, Robert Courteheuse - short boot - receives Normandy. This finds independence but also anarchy. In 1091, he signed an agreement with his brother Guillaume le Roux, King of England, providing that if one of the two dies, the other automatically succeeds him. In 1096, Robert joined the first crusade and took part in the capture of Jerusalem in 1099. In 1100, Guillaume was killed during a hunting party and Henri Beauclerc immediately claimed the kingdom of England. Robert returns from crusade and must face Henri who also wishes to recover Normandy. In 1106, Robert was beaten and taken prisoner.