Robert (II) Curthose (Duke of Normandy)

Duke of Normandy 1087–1106. He was the son of William the Conqueror, and a noted crusader 1096–1100. When the English throne passed to his younger brother William II in 1087, Robert was unable to recover it by war. In 1106 Robert again attempted to recover England from Henry I, but was defeated at Tinchebrai and imprisoned until his death.

Robert won undying fame for his role on the First Crusade, especially for his charge at Ascalon in 1099 when he captured the Egyptian banner. He turned down the offer to rule in Jerusalem, preferring to return home.