Gilbert de Clare, 1st Earl of Pembroke facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Gilbert fitz Gilbert de Clare
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Seal of Gilbert fitz Gilbert, from Lansdowne MS. 203
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| Born | c. 1100 Tonbridge |
| Died | 6 January 1148 |
| Noble family | de Clare |
| Spouse(s) | Isabel de Beaumont |
| Father | Gilbert Fitz Richard |
| Mother | Alice de Claremont |
Gilbert fitz Gilbert de Clare (born around 1100, died January 6, 1148) was an important English noble. He became the first Earl of Pembroke in 1138. Gilbert was a powerful figure during a time of civil war in England.
Contents
Gilbert's Early Life and Rise
Gilbert de Clare was born in Tonbridge around the year 1100. His parents were Gilbert Fitz Richard de Clare and Alice de Claremont. Even though he didn't start with his own lands, Gilbert came from a very important noble family. His uncles, Walter and Roger de Clare, were powerful figures in England.
In 1136, Gilbert led a military trip to a town called Exmes. His forces faced a tough battle against William III, Count of Ponthieu. Gilbert's group had to retreat after losing many soldiers.
Becoming a Powerful Baron
Gilbert was known as a Baron. This meant he was a very important landholder who held his lands directly from the King. He inherited large estates from his uncles, Roger and Walter. These lands included important castles in Normandy, like Bienfaite and Orbec.
He also controlled the area of Nether Gwent and the castle of Striguil, which is now known as Chepstow Castle. King Stephen recognized Gilbert's power. The King made him the Earl of Pembroke and gave him control over the area called the Rape and castle of Pevensey.
Gilbert and King Stephen
England was in a civil war during Gilbert's time. This period is known as "The Anarchy." It was a fight for the throne between King Stephen and his cousin, Empress Matilda.
After King Stephen lost a major battle at Lincoln in 1141, Gilbert first supported Empress Matilda. However, he later changed his mind and rejoined King Stephen. He was with the King when Stephen was crowned again later that year.
Gilbert then became involved in a plan against King Stephen. But when this plan failed, he once again supported the King. He was with Stephen during the siege of Oxford in 1142.
In 1147, Gilbert rebelled against King Stephen again. This happened because the King refused to give him control of some castles. These castles had been given up by Gilbert's nephew, also named Gilbert. King Stephen marched to Gilbert's nearest castle and almost captured him. However, it seems Gilbert made peace with the King before he died the next year.
Gilbert's Family Life
Gilbert fitz Gilbert de Clare married Isabel de Beaumont before 1130. Isabel was the daughter of Sir Robert de Beaumont, 1st Earl of Leicester and Elizabeth de Vermandois.
Gilbert and Isabel had several children:
- Richard de Clare, 2nd Earl of Pembroke
- Basilia de Clare, who married two times. Her first husband was Raymond FitzGerald, and her second was Geoffrey FitzRobert.
- A daughter who married William Bloet.
