Succession Arrangements for Robert Curthose of Normandy

Timeline

1. 1063–1066Rouen · NormandyIn the mid-1060s, Duke William publicly confirmed his eldest son Robert as heir to the Duchy of Normandy. Robert remained in Normandy while his father prepared the conquest of England, beginning to learn governance of vassals and estate affairs, and was regarded by the Norman nobility as the future duke.
2. 1066Normandy · NormandyIn 1066 William personally led the conquest of England, while Robert and his mother Matilda remained in Normandy to manage affairs. This arrangement tested Robert's governing ability and highlighted William's divided management of England and Normandy, provoking Robert's dissatisfaction over the distribution of fiefs and honors.
3. 1067–1069Normandy · NormandyAfter conquering England, William stayed long across the Channel and grew increasingly stingy in granting Robert fiefs and power, worsening their relationship. By the late 1060s Robert had begun openly quarreling with his father; though no full-scale rebellion had yet erupted, all the elements of a succession crisis—partition of lands, distribution of honors, and the collapse of mutual trust—were in place.