English army under King Henry I were besieging the castle of Tinchebrai when Robert, Duke of Normandy, led his army to its relief. Sides were about even in numbers and similar in composition. The superior tactics of Henry took the day. Robert was captured and spent the remainder of his life [d.1134] in prison.

Near the castle of Tinchebrai in South West Normandy approximately half way between the modern towns of Vire and Flers. (France)

Robert Curthose, William the Conqueror's eldest son, was persuaded by King Philip I of France to rebel against his father . Philip feared the union of Normandy and England under a single ruler. Robert was defeated and although reconciled with his father was not favoured in the succession. The youngest of the Conqueror's sons, Henry, took the throne of England on the death of William II [Rufus] his older brother, When Robert returned from the first Crusade he attempted to invade England in 1101 but was repulsed.
In 1106 Henry, having secured the throne within England, invaded Normandy.

Henry drew up his forces with a main, first, battle line of infantry and a second line of dismounted knights. He had supporting cavalry on either flank and a cavalry reserve under Count Helias of Maine , to act later as an outflanking force. Henry took his position with the cream of his knights in the second rank.
Robert also drew up his force in two lines, the first line of cavalry was supported by his infantry which was stiffened with dismounted knights.
The battle opened with a headlong charge by the Duke's cavalry at Henry's front line. The cavalry of Henry's right wing was broken but the infantry held firm. As Henry's force began to counter attack the outflanking force took the disorganized Ducal army in the flank, as planned.
Henry gained a substantial victory capturing his brother who he imprisoned for the remainder of his life.
There were heavy casualties among the infantry of both sides but the knights came off virtually unscathed.

Henry established himself as undisputed ruler of England and as Duke of Normandy.

English Norman Army

Number engaged :

7,000

Casualties :

n/a

Norman Ducal Army

Number engaged :

7,000

Casualties :

n/a