The Death of Robert II and Constance of Arles' Conflict with Her Sons (1031)
Following thedeath of King Robert II on July 20, 1031,Queen Constance of Arlesquickly found herselfat odds with both of her surviving sons, Henry I and Robert of Burgundy. Rather than accepting Henry’s rightful succession, sheseized her dower landsandrefused to surrender them, escalating tensions intoopen conflict.
Constance’s Defiance and Henry’s Flight to Normandy
Despite Henry I’scoronation at Reims in 1027, Constance continued tooppose his rule, preferring heryounger son, Robert of Burgundy, as king.
Upon Robert II’s death, Constancerefused to recognize Henry’s authority, taking control of herdower landsand seeking torally nobles to her side.
Facing immediate hostility, Henry wasforced to flee the royal domain, seeking refuge inNormandy, where he receivedsupport from his younger brother, Robert of Normandy.
Robert of Normandy providedweapons, soldiers, and strategic aid, helping Henryregroup and launch a counteroffensive against their mother.
Henry’s Siege of Poissy and Constance’s Escape
WithNorman reinforcements, Henry returned toFrance with an army, determined toassert his authority.
Hebesieged Constance at Poissy, a key stronghold where she had entrenched herself with her supporters.
However, before Henry couldcapture her, Constanceescaped to Pontoise, prolonging the conflict.