Robert of Normandy c.1054 -1134

Robert of Normandy (c.1054-1134) was the eldest son of King William I (The Conqueror). Being first-born, all things being equal, he should have succeeded his father as king. However, his relationship with him and with his brothers was so poor it never came to pass. When William I died in 1087 Robert became Duke of Normandy and busied himself helping to lead the First Crusade that captured Jerusalem in 1099. In 1106 he was seized by his youngest brother, King Henry I, and ended his life  in 1134, a prisoner incarcerated in Cardiff Castle. Robert was buried in the chancel of what is now Gloucester Cathedral but at the time was a Benedictine abbey.

This effigy of Robert of Normandy was carved out of Irish bog oak. Wood is not an unusual material for a figure on a tomb, but is less likely for a person of such standing. It dates from c.1240.

photos © T. Boughen     Camera: Nikon Z 5

Tomb of Robert of Normandy

The tomb of Robert of Normandy (c.1054-1134) can be found in Gloucester Cathedral. Robert was the eldest son of William of Normandy (William the Conqueror). Turbulent family relationships meant that on the death of his father in 1087 Robert became Duke of Normandy but not King of England. In 1106 he was imprisoned by his youngest brother, King Henry 1, and spent the remaining twenty eight years of his life a prisoner in Cardiff castle. His tomb effigy is remarkable for two reasons. Firstly it was not made until a hundred years after his death, in 1240, and when it was, instead of the usual stone it was was carved from Irish bog oak (with a few metal additions such as spurs and sword). Bog oak is a particularly hard form of ancient wood with excellent durability.

photo © T. Boughen     Camera: Lumix FZ1000 2