Death of Robert, Duke of Normandy

3rd February 1134

Robert, Duke of Normandy died on 3 February 1134 at Cardiff Castle, Glamorgan. The eldest son of William the Conqueror, Robert was known as Robert Curthose for his whole life – “curthose” meaning “short-legs” due to his height. He was a hero of the First Crusade on his return from the Holy Land but, upon reaching England, was told the news of his father’s death, and that, for the second time in his life, had been beaten to the crown by his younger brother. The rest of his life would see him in conflict with this brother, King Henry I.