Robert the Magnificent

Robert I (or Robert the Magnificent), d. 1035, was duke of Normandy (1027–35) and the father of William the Conqueror. He is often identified with the legendary Robert the Devil. He aided King Henry I of France against Henry's rebellious brother and mother, and for his help he was given the territory of the Vexin. He also intervened in the affairs of Flanders, supported Edward the Confessor, then in exile at Robert's court, and sponsored monastic reform in Normandy. After making his illegitimate son William his heir, he made a pilgrimage to Jerusalem and died at Nicaea.