Gilbert de Umfraville, Earl of Angus facts for kids

Gilbert de Umfraville, also known as The Red Earl, was an important noble who lived from before 1246 to 1308. He was the first person from the Anglo-French Umfraville family to become the Earl of Angus in Scotland.

His father was also named Gilbert de Umfraville. He was a Norman noble and a Baron of Prudhoe in England. Gilbert's mother was Matilda, the Countess of Angus. When his father died, Gilbert was still a baby. He inherited his father's lands and titles.

Through his mother, Gilbert also became part of the ancient Scottish noble family, the Gaelic earls of Angus. He became the Earl of Angus when he was very young, likely no older than three years old.

Gilbert's Early Life and Role

When Gilbert was a child, a powerful noble named Simon de Montfort, 6th Earl of Leicester became his guardian. This meant Simon looked after Gilbert and his lands until Gilbert was old enough to rule himself. Simon paid a large sum of money for this important role.

As Gilbert grew up, he took control of his inheritance. Even though he was mainly an English noble, he was the official ruler of the Angus region in Scotland for over 50 years.

Gilbert's Public Service

Gilbert de Umfraville played a part in important events of his time.

Campaigns and Parliaments

• In 1276, he joined King Edward I of England in a military campaign in Wales against Llywelyn ap Gruffudd, a Welsh prince.
• In 1284, Gilbert attended a special meeting, called a parliament, with other Scottish nobles. At this meeting, they agreed that Margaret, Maid of Norway, would be the next queen of Scotland after King Alexander III.
• In 1296, he once again joined King Edward I when the English king conquered Scotland.

Religious Support

Gilbert also showed his religious devotion. He established a special fund at Prudhoe Castle. This fund paid for two priests to hold a religious service called mass every day.

Family and Legacy

Gilbert de Umfraville passed away in 1308. He was buried at Hexham Abbey in England. You can still see a statue of him there today.

His second son, Robert de Umfraville, Earl of Angus, became the next Earl of Angus after him. Gilbert's first son, also named Gilbert, married a noblewoman named Margaret de Clare.

See also

• Umfraville