Robert the Magnificent, Duke of Normandy

Robert I of Normandy, also known as Robert the Magnificent, was a noble from the House of Normandy who served as the Duke of Normandy from 1027 until his death in 1035. He was the progeny of Duke Richard II and the sibling of Duke Richard III. His offspring, Duke William, ascended to the English throne in 1066. Robert’s tenure as duke was marked by conflicts with the church and involvement in the turbulence in Flanders. He eventually made amends with the church and embarked on a pilgrimage to Jerusalem, where he passed away.

Robert was recognized as Robert I of Normandy, and he was sometimes referred to as Robert the Generous and Robert the Devil, although the latter may have been a later conflation with a fictional character. His rule saw the rise of a new aristocracy in Normandy and the emigration of lesser nobility to southern Italy. After resolving conflicts with his family and the church, Robert designated his illegitimate son William as his successor before his pilgrimage. His journey took him through Constantinople, and he succumbed to illness in Nicaea on his way back from Jerusalem.