Henry I was the third Capetian King of France. He ruled in the 11th Century.

He was born on May 4, 1008, at Reims. His father was King Robert II, known as Robert the Pious, and his mother was Constance of Arles. Young Henry was crowned junior king in 1027, while his father was still alive. In fact, the king was fighting for his life at the time.

Robert's three older sons rebelled against their father. Robert had named his oldest son, Hugh Magnus, as co-ruler in 1007. It was in 1025 that sons rose up in revolt against father. Hugh died in the ensuing battle. Henry and Robert the younger fought against and eventually defeated their father in 1031, by killing him in battle at Melun. Henry, as the older surviving son, became king in his own right.

Henry made sure that his brother wouldn't rebel by handing over the Duchy of Burgundy, which their father had given Henry in 1016. Henry also helped William, Duke of Normandy put down a rebellion by his vassals in 1047. A mere seven years later, however, Henry switched sides and invaded Normandy, where he found defeat. A second invasion three years later had a similar result.

Henry had planned to marry Matilda, whose father was Conrad II, the Holy Roman Emperor, but she died in 1034. Henry's first wife was another Matilda, of Frisia. She died in 1044. His third wife was Annie of Kiev. They had four children, the oldest of whom became King Philip I when Henry died on campaign, on Aug. 4, 1060, at Vitry-en-Brie.