Research Notes:

Guillaume of Jumièges records that, after the rebel “Riulfus” was defeated at the battle of "Pratum-belli", a messenger arrived “a...Fiscannensis castri” and reported the birth of his son to “nobilissima puella Danico more sibi iuncta...Sprota” to Guillaume who ordered him to be sent immediately to “Baiocas...episcopo Henrico” for baptism as “Richardum”. Flodoard records "filio ipsius Willelmi, nato de concubina Brittana" being granted the land of the Normans by King Louis after his father's death. Richard is described as "a boy" on the death of his father by Dudo of Saint-Quentin. Guillaume of Jumièges records that, after his father was killed, “puerum Richardum” was recalled from Bayeux and placed "sub tutela Bernardi Dani".

He succeeded his father as RICHARD I "Sans Peur" Comte [de Normandie]. Orderic Vitalis records that "Willelmus dux" was killed in 942 “fraude Arnulphi Flandrensis satrapæ” and that “Ricardus filius eius...tunc decem annorum” was made “dux Normannorum” a position which he held for 54 years. He used the title Comte de Rouen/comes Rothomagensium, and from 966 Marquis des Normands/marchio Normannorum. Guillaume of Jumièges records that Louis IV King of the West Franks, after the death of Richard´s father, marched on Rouen, was received by “Rodulphus et Bernardus atque Anslech totius Normannici ducatus tutores”, and captured Richard, who was taken to Laon but was freed by “Osmundus...consilio cum Yvone patre Willelmi de Belismo” and taken to “Silvanectis” where “Bernardus...comes” protected “nepotem suum Richardum”. His forces defeated the army of Otto I King of Germany after it attempted to capture Rouen in revenge for the escape of comte Richard from captivity. Comte Richard defeated French forces after King Lothaire of France captured Evreux. Dudo de Saint-Quentin records that, soon after succeeding, Richard suppressed the rebellion of Rodulf "Torta", who was banished and fled to Paris. These events are not dated, but are recounted with the betrothal of Richard to the daughter of Hugues Duc des Francs, which is dated to 956. Hugues "le Grand" Duc des Francs nominated comte Richard as guardian of his son, the future Hugues "Capet" King of France, in 956, the arrangement being confirmed by Richard's betrothal to Hugues's sister. He invited William of Volpiano, Italian abbot of Saint-Bénigne at Dijon, to reform the Norman abbeys, and installed monks at Mont-Saint-Michel and Fécamp. He agreed a non-aggression pact with Æthelred II King of England 1 Mar 991, designed no doubt to prevent either side from sheltering Viking marauders. "Ricardus filius Willelmi, dux Normannie" founded Louviers "in Ebroicensi pago" by undated charter.

Guillaume of Jumièges records the death “apud Fiscannum” in 996 of “Richardus dux primus”. Orderic Vitalis records the death in 996 of "Ricardo seniore". The Brevis Relatio de Origine Willelmi Conquestoris records that "Ricardus…filius Willelmi et alius Ricardus" were buried "Fiscanni". ¹