Page "Robert Curthose" Paragraph 2

Robert's birthdate is usually given as 1054, but may have been 1051.

As a child he was betrothed to Margaret, the heiress of Maine, but she died before they could be wed, and Robert didn't marry until his late forties.

In his youth he was reported to be courageous and skillful in military exercises.

He was, however, also prone to a laziness and weakness of character that discontented nobles and the King of France exploited to stir discord with his father William.

He was unsatisfied with the share of power allotted to him and quarrelled with his father and brothers fiercely.

In 1063, his father made him the count of Maine in view of his engagement to Margaret.

The county was presumably run by his father until 1069 when the county revolted and reverted to Hugh V of Maine.