Robert III, Count of Flanders facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Robert III
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Robert's effigy on his seal
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| Born | 1249 |
| Died | 17 September 1322 Ypres |
| Noble family | House of Dampierre |
| Spouse(s) | Blanche of Sicily Yolande II, Countess of Nevers |
| Issue | Louis I, Count of Nevers |
| Father | Guy of Dampierre |
| Mother | Matilda of Béthune |
Robert III, born in 1249, was a powerful leader known as the Count of Flanders and Count of Nevers. He was also called Robert of Béthune. People gave him the nickname "The Lion of Flanders" because he was brave and strong. He ruled Flanders from 1305 until he died in 1322.
Contents
Robert's Life and Rule
Robert was the oldest son of Guy of Dampierre. His mother was Matilda of Béthune. In 1299, his father gave him control of Flanders. This happened during a war with Philip IV of France, the King of France.
Early Adventures
Robert became famous as a soldier in Italy. He fought alongside his father-in-law, Charles I of Sicily. They fought against the last rulers of the Hohenstaufen family.
In 1270, Robert and his father joined the Eighth Crusade. This was a big journey led by Saint Louis. After the Crusade, Robert helped his father a lot. He supported him in politics and in battles. They fought against the French King Philip IV the Fair. The French king wanted to add Flanders to his own lands.
Fighting for Flanders
Robert played a big part in his father's decision to break away from the French king. This happened on January 20, 1297. But the fight seemed impossible to win. So, in May 1300, Robert, his father, and his brother were captured. They were taken to the French King.
Robert was locked up in the castle of Chinon. Many people think he fought in the famous Battle of the Golden Spurs. But this is not true. He was still a prisoner at that time.
Becoming Count
In July 1305, Robert's father died while still a prisoner. Robert was then allowed to go back to Flanders. He became the new Count of Flanders. His rule was shaped by the Treaty of Athis-sur-Orge. This was an agreement with France.
At first, Robert was good at getting the towns and countryside to follow the treaty. But in April 1310, he started to strongly resist the French. His people and family supported him. He used both diplomacy and military strength to stand up to the French king.
In 1318, King Edward II of England tried to help. He sent people to make peace between Robert and another count. This was to help trade move more easily.
Later Years and Challenges
In 1319, Robert marched towards Lille. But the soldiers from Ghent refused to cross the Leie river with him. His grandson, Louis I of Nevers, also put pressure on him. Robert finally gave up the fight. He went to Paris in 1320 to make peace with the French King.
Even after this, Robert continued to make it hard to follow the Treaty of Athis-sur-Orge. Because of this, he was even kicked out of the church. Robert died in 1322. His grandson, Louis, became the new Count.
Robert wanted to be buried in Flanders. He was buried in Saint Martin's Cathedral in Ypres. Later, his body was moved to another abbey. This happened when Lille and Douai became part of Flanders again. His first wife and his father were also buried there.
Robert's Family
Robert was married two times.
His first wife was Blanche of Sicily. They married in 1265. Blanche died in 1269. They had one son named Charles, but he died when he was young.
His second wife was Yolande II, Countess of Nevers. They married around 1271. Yolande died in 1280. They had five children together:
- Louis (born 1272, died 1322 in Paris). He became the Count of Nevers. He married Joan, Countess of Rethel. Their son was Louis I of Flanders.
- Robert (died 1331). He became the Count of Marle. He married Joan of Brittany. Their children were:
- John, Seigneur of Cassel (died 1332).
- Yolande (born around 1320, died 1395). She married Henry IV of Bar.
- Jeanne (died 1333). She married Enguerrand IV, Lord of Coucy.
- Yolande (died 1313). She married Walter II of Enghien.
- Matilda. She married Matthias of Lorraine.
