Richard III, Duke of Normandy facts for kids
Richard III (born around 1001, died 1027) was the Duke of Normandy. He ruled for a very short time, only about one year. His time as duke began with a challenge from his younger brother, Robert I, and ended with his unexpected death.
Becoming Duke
Richard III was the oldest son of Richard II, Duke of Normandy and his wife Judith of Brittany. He was born around the year 1001. When he was about 19 years old, his father sent him to lead a large army. His mission was to rescue his brother-in-law, Reginald I, Count of Burgundy, who was in trouble. This journey was quite long, about 250 miles (400 kilometers) from Normandy. Richard III successfully captured a castle, which convinced a powerful bishop to release Reginald.
In August 1026, Richard III's father passed away. As the oldest son, Richard III became the new Duke of Normandy. It seemed that the important noblemen, called barons, accepted him as their new leader without any problems.
Brother's Rebellion
Before becoming duke, Richard III had given his younger brother, Robert, some land and a town. However, once Richard III became duke, Robert was not happy with what he had. Robert started a rebellion. He attacked the lands of their uncle, Robert II, Archbishop of Rouen, who was an archbishop. Robert also captured his brother's city of Falaise.
This rebellion continued from late 1026 into early 1027. Finally, Richard III surrounded Falaise and broke down its walls. Robert had to give up and promised to be loyal to his brother.
Marriage and Death
After dealing with his brother, Richard III made plans to marry Adelis, the young daughter of King Robert II of France. She brought a rich dowry with her, which included the city and county of Coutances. Even though he was now married to a king's daughter, Richard III already had children from an earlier relationship.
Sadly, Richard III died unexpectedly in early August 1027. He had a son named Nicholas. However, Nicholas was immediately sent to a monastery at Fécamp. With Nicholas out of the way, the role of Duke of Normandy passed to Richard III's younger brother, Robert, who then became Robert I.
Family Life
Richard III married Adela in January 1027. She was a younger daughter of King Robert II of France. Richard and Adela did not have any children together. After Richard's death, Adela later married Baldwin V, Count of Flanders.
Richard III also had at least two children from an earlier relationship:
- Alice/Alix of Normandy, who married Ranulph, Viscount of Bayeux.
- Nicolas, who became a monk at Fécamp and later an abbot (a leader of a monastery). He died in 1092.
See also
In Spanish: Ricardo III de Normandía para niños
