Richard the Fearless, Duke of Normandy

Richard I, also known as Richard the Fearless, served as the count of Rouen from 942 to 996. Commissioned by Richard, Dudo of Saint-Quentin referred to him as a dux in ‘De moribus et actis primorum Normanniae ducum’, which may highlight his military leadership rather than a noble title. Richard played a significant role in either introducing or expanding feudalism in Normandy, with key landholders holding their lands in feudal tenure by the end of his reign.

Richard was the son of William Longsword and Sprota, and the grandson of Rollo. After William’s assassination in 942, Richard was installed in his father’s office by King Louis IV of West Francia. His early life was marked by his captivity and subsequent release, orchestrated by Norman and Viking supporters. Throughout his reign, Richard formed alliances through marriage and focused on strengthening Normandy, which became a formidable principality in West Francia. His reign concluded with a period of peace and consolidation of power in Normandy.