This study redresses the balance of opinion on Robert Curthose. There is no doubt that Robert was rebellious, but the fact remains that the throne of England was meant to pass to him on the death of William the Conqueror. William Rufus and Henry I were thus usurpers, which casts a new light on English history. Had Robert succeeded, the Church would have been spared the depredations of Rufus's reign and there would have been better relations with Scotland. The key elements of later history would also have been changed for the better.

This study redresses the balance of opinion on Robert Curthose. There is no doubt that Robert was rebellious, but the fact remains that the throne of England was meant to pass to him on the death of William the Conqueror. William Rufus and Henry I were thus usurpers, which casts a new light on English history. Had Robert succeeded, the Church would have been spared the depredations of Rufus's reign and there would have been better relations with Scotland. The key elements of later history would also have been changed for the better.