Richard de Clare, 3rd Earl of Hertford facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Richard de Clare |
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| Arms of the de Clare family, adopted at the start of the age of heraldry c.1200-1215 | |
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| Tenure | 1173–1217 |
| Predecessor | Roger de Clare, 2nd Earl of Hertford |
| Successor | Gilbert de Clare |
| Spouse | Amice FitzWilliam, suo jure 4th Countess of Gloucester |
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| Gilbert de Clare Maud de Clare Richard de Clare |
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| Nobility | de Clare |
| Father | Roger de Clare, 2nd Earl of Hertford |
| Mother | Maud de St. Hillary |
| Born | 1153 Tonbridge Castle, Kent, England |
| Died | 1217 |
| Burial | Tonbridge Priory |
| Occupation | Peerage of England |
Richard de Clare, 3rd Earl of Hertford (born around 1153, died 1217) was a very important nobleman in England and Wales. He was known as the 3rd Earl of Hertford. He owned a lot of land and was a powerful figure during the time of King Richard I and King John. Richard was a key player in the events leading up to the signing of the Magna Carta.
Richard's Important Role
Richard de Clare was the son and heir of Roger de Clare, 2nd Earl of Hertford. His mother was Maud de St Hillary. Richard inherited his father's lands and important titles. He was often called the Earl of Clare.
He was present at the special crowning ceremony for King Richard I. This event took place at Westminster Abbey on September 3, 1189. Richard de Clare was also there when King John was crowned on May 27, 1199. He saw King William of Scotland pay respect to King John in Lincoln.
The Magna Carta Story
Richard de Clare played a big part in a major event in English history: the creation of the Magna Carta. This was a very important document that limited the power of the king. Richard sided with other powerful noblemen, called Barons, against King John.
Even though he had promised peace with the King before, Richard joined the Barons. Because of this, King John took over Richard's castle in Tonbridge. Richard was one of the twenty-five noblemen who promised to make sure the King followed the Magna Carta.
On November 9, 1215, Richard was chosen to help negotiate peace with the King. However, King John later took away Richard's lands in several counties. Richard and his son were also excommunicated by the Pope in 1215. This meant they were removed from the church, which was a very serious punishment at the time.
Richard's family had a special design called a coat of arms. It was Or, three chevronels gules. This design was used from about 1200-1215. His son, the Earl of Gloucester, also used this coat of arms.
Family Life
Around 1172, Richard de Clare married Amice Fitzwilliam. She was the 4th Countess of Gloucester. Amice was the daughter of William Fitz Robert, 2nd Earl of Gloucester.
Richard and Amice had several children together:
- Gilbert de Clare (born around 1180, died 1230). He became the 4th Earl of Hertford and 5th Earl of Gloucester. Gilbert married Isabel Marshal in 1217.
- Maud de Clare (born around 1184, died 1213). She married Sir William de Braose in 1206.
- Richard de Clare (born around 1184, died 1228).
- Mathilde. She married Rhys Gryg, who was a ruler in Wales.
