Hugh de Audley, 1st Earl of Gloucester facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Hugh de Audley
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Arms of Audley: Gules, a fret or
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| Born | c. 1291 Stratton Audley, Oxfordshire, England |
| Died | 10 November 1347 Kent, England |
| Title | 1st Earl of Gloucester |
| Other titles | Lord of the Manor of Chilton Lord of the Manor of Gratton |
| Spouse(s) | Margaret de Clare |
| Issue | Margaret de Audley |
Hugh de Audley (born around 1291 – died November 10, 1347) was an important English nobleman. He was known as the 1st Earl of Gloucester and the 1st Baron Audley. He came from places like Stratton Audley in Oxfordshire and Gratton in Staffordshire. Hugh de Audley held several key positions during his life. He served as the Sheriff of Rutland and was also an Ambassador for England in France in 1341. He was buried at Tonbridge Priory.
Who Was Hugh de Audley?
Hugh de Audley was born in Stratton Audley. He was the second son of another important person also named Hugh de Audley. His mother was Isolde (Iseult) le Rous. She was the daughter of Sir Roger le Rous. Hugh had siblings, including a brother named John and a sister named Alice. Alice married two different noblemen during her life.
His Marriage and Family
Hugh de Audley married a woman named Margaret de Clare. Margaret was already a widow when they married. Her first husband was Piers Gaveston, 1st Earl of Cornwall. Margaret was also the sister of Gilbert de Clare, 8th Earl of Gloucester. Gilbert had died in a big battle called the Battle of Bannockburn in 1314.
Because Margaret was Gilbert's sister, she inherited many lands and properties from the Gloucester family. These lands then became part of Hugh's wealth after they married. Hugh and Margaret had one daughter together, named Margaret de Audley. She was born around 1318 in Stafford. Later, their daughter Margaret was married to Ralph Stafford, 1st Earl of Stafford.
Hugh's Important Roles
After his marriage, King Edward III gave Hugh de Audley the special title of Earl of Gloucester. This was a very high honor.
Hugh also worked as the Sheriff of Rutland. A sheriff was like a chief officer who kept law and order in a county. He held this job for many years, first from 1316 to 1322, and then again from 1327 until he died in 1347. This shows he was a trusted and important figure in the King's government.
