Richard Fitz Gilbert de Clare facts for kids

Richard fitz Gilbert de Clare (who died on April 15, 1136) was an important nobleman from England. He was known as the 3rd baron of Clare in Suffolk. A baron was someone who held land directly from the king. Richard was also a powerful lord in Wales, called a 'marcher lord'. This meant he ruled lands on the border of England and Wales. He also started Tonbridge Priory in Kent.

Richard's Life and Family

Richard was the oldest son of Gilbert Fitz Richard and Adeliza de Claremont. When his father passed away, Richard took over all his lands. These lands were in both England and Wales.

Many people thought Richard was made the Earl of Hertford. This title might have been given to him by King Henry I or King Stephen. However, old records from his time do not call him an Earl. Even so, Richard was very rich and powerful. He was one of the most important people in England.

Supporting King Stephen

After King Henry I died, there was a lot of fighting in Wales. A rebellion started against English rule. Richard was a strong supporter of King Stephen. In the first two years of Stephen's rule, Richard signed many of the king's important papers.

Richard was with King Stephen when he made a peace agreement with King David I of Scotland. He also served as a royal steward at a big court meeting in 1136. Richard was with Stephen during a battle called the siege of Exeter. He also traveled with the king when he returned from Normandy. At this time, Richard wanted more land in Wales, but King Stephen did not agree to give it to him.

Richard's Death

In 1136, Richard had been away from his lands for a while. He returned to the border of Wales through Hereford. He was with Brian Fitz Count. When they separated, Richard did not listen to warnings about danger. He continued towards Ceredigion with only a small group of soldiers.

He had not gone far when, on April 15, he was attacked. Men from Gwent ambushed and killed him. These men were led by Iorwerth ab Owain and his brother Morgan ab Owain. The attack happened in a forest area near Llanthony Abbey, north of Abergavenny. Today, a stone marks the spot where he died. Richard was buried in Tonbridge Priory, the place he had founded.

What Happened After Richard's Death?

When people heard about Richard's death, Owain Gwynedd, the son of King Gruffudd ap Cynan of Gwynedd, decided to attack Richard's lands. Owain teamed up with Gruffydd ap Rhys of Deheubarth. Together, they won a big victory against the Normans at the Battle of Crug Mawr. This battle happened right outside Cardigan.

The town of Cardigan was captured and burned. Richard's wife, Alice, found safety in Cardigan Castle. The castle was successfully defended by Robert fitz Martin. Alice was later rescued by Miles of Gloucester. He led a group to bring her safely back to England.

Richard's Family

Richard married Alice, who was the sister of Ranulf de Gernon, 4th Earl of Chester. They had several children:

• Gilbert Fitz Richard de Clare (died 1153), who became the 1st Earl of Hertford. He did not have children.
• Roger de Clare (died 1173), who became the 2nd Earl of Hertford.
• Alice de Clare (also known as Adelize de Tonbridge). She married Sir William de Percy. Later, she married Cadwaladr ap Gruffydd, who was the brother of Owain Gwynedd.
• Robert Fitz Richard de Clare, who might have died when he was a child.
• Rohese de Clare, who married Gilbert de Gant, Earl of Lincoln.
• Lucy de Clare, who married Baldwin de Redvers, 1st Earl of Devon.