Tinchebrai, Battle of (1106), established Henry I as undisputed king of England and duke of Normandy. Henry had inherited only treasure when his father, William I, the Conqueror, died in 1087. Henry’s oldest brother, Robert Curthose, inherited Normandy. His other surviving older brother, William Rufus, inherited the throne of England as William II.
When William II died in 1100, Robert was in Sicily. Henry seized England’s treasury and had himself crowned king. In 1101, Robert invaded England to claim the throne as the oldest living son of William the Conqueror. Henry negotiated with him, and Robert gave up his claim to the English throne in return for an annual payment.
In 1105 and again in 1106, Henry invaded Normandy and attempted to unseat Robert as duke. At the Battle of Tinchebrai, Henry defeated Robert’s forces and captured his brother. Henry then became duke of Normandy as well as king of England.
See also Duke of Normandy; Kings and queens of the United Kingdom (The Normans); United Kingdom, History of the (Struggles for power).
