Gilbert de Clare, 1st Earl of Hertford facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Gilbert Fitz Richard
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| 1st Earl of Hertford 4th Lord of Clare |
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| Hereditary | |
| Earl of Hereford Lord of the Honor of Clare |
1138–1152 1136–1152 |
| Predecessor | Richard Fitz Gilbert de Clare |
| Successor | Roger de Clare |
| Other titles | 4th Lord of Tonbridge Lord of Cardigan |
| Born | 1115 Hertford, Hertfordshire, England |
| Died | 1152 |
| Family | de Clare |
| Father | Richard Fitz Gilbert de Clare |
| Occupation | Peerage of England |
Gilbert FitzRichard de Clare (born around 1115, died 1152) was an important English nobleman. He was known as the 1st Earl of Hertford. A "feudal baron" like Gilbert was a powerful lord who held land directly from the king.
Gilbert was given the title of Earl of Hertford by King Stephen. This was during a time in England known as The Anarchy, when there was a big fight for the throne.
Contents
Gilbert's Early Life and Titles
Gilbert was the oldest son of Richard Fitz Gilbert de Clare. He was born before the year 1115. When his father passed away on April 15, 1136, Gilbert took over his father's lands and titles. These included the important honor of Clare and Tonbridge Castle.
Around 1138, King Stephen made Gilbert the Earl of Hertford. An Earl was a high-ranking noble, similar to a count. Gilbert's uncle, another Gilbert de Clare, also became an Earl around the same time.
Gilbert's Role in The Anarchy
The Anarchy was a period of civil war in England (1135-1153). It was a fight between King Stephen and his cousin, Empress Matilda, over who should rule England.
Gilbert first supported King Stephen. However, at some point, he changed his mind and joined Empress Matilda's side. This was common during The Anarchy, as nobles often switched their loyalty to gain power or protect their lands.
Gilbert's uncle, Ranulf de Gernon, 4th Earl of Chester, was also a powerful figure. When King Stephen captured Ranulf, Ranulf offered his nephew Geoffrey as a promise that he would behave well.
Rebellions and Changing Sides
In 1147, Gilbert's uncle, Ranulf de Gernon, rebelled against King Stephen again. Because of this, King Stephen captured Gilbert Fitz Richard. The king held Gilbert prisoner until he agreed to give up all his castles.
After being released, Gilbert joined his uncle Ranulf's rebellion. This made things even more complicated. Another important noble, Gilbert, Earl of Pembroke (who was also related to Gilbert Fitz Richard), then demanded Gilbert Fitz Richard's castles. He said they were his by family right.
When King Stephen refused this demand, the Earl of Pembroke also joined the rebellion. King Stephen then took away the castles of both Gilberts. However, not long after, King Stephen made peace with both of them. Meanwhile, Ranulf de Gernon decided to support Henry of Anjou, who later became King Henry II.
Gilbert's Death
Gilbert Fitz Richard died in 1152. He was never married and did not have any children. He was buried at Clare Priory. After his death, his brother, Roger de Clare, became the next Earl of Hertford.
