Richard fitz Gilbert facts for kids

Richard fitz Gilbert was an important Norman lord. He was born around 1035. He became the first feudal baron of Clare in England. A "feudal baron" was a powerful landowner who held land directly from the king.

Richard played a big part in the Norman conquest of England in 1066. He was also known by names like "de Bienfaite," "de Clare," and "of Tonbridge." These names came from the lands he owned. He died around 1090.

Who Was Richard fitz Gilbert?

Richard was the son of Gilbert, Count of Brionne. His father was a count in Normandy, which is a region in France. The name Fitz means "son of" in Norman French.

Early Life and Family Ties

Richard's father, Gilbert, was a guardian for the young duke William. In 1040, Gilbert was killed. After his father's death, Richard and his older brother Gilbert had to flee to Flanders for safety.

Later, Richard returned to Normandy. Duke William rewarded him with control over the lordships of Bienfaite and Orbec.

Coming to England

In 1066, Richard came to England with his relative, William the Conqueror. William became King of England after the Norman Conquest. Richard received many honors and lands from the new king.

The name "de Clare" became linked to Richard. He was sometimes called Richard of Clare in old records. This name came from his main landholding in Clare, Suffolk.

Richard's Rewards and Power

Richard fitz Gilbert received a lot of land in England. He was given 176 manors. A manor was a large estate with a village and farmland.

Building Castles

He also gained the right to build castles. He built castles at Clare in Suffolk and at Tonbridge in Kent. The castle at Clare became the main center of his feudal barony.

Some old writings even called him the "Earl of Clare." However, many historians today believe this was more of a title he used, rather than an official earldom.

Serving the King

Richard was a very trusted advisor to King William. He served as a Chief Justiciar when William was away. This meant he helped govern England in the king's place.

He also helped put down a major rebellion in 1075. This showed his loyalty and importance to the king.

Richard as a Rebel Baron

After William the Conqueror died, his son William Rufus became king. Richard fitz Gilbert joined other powerful Norman barons in a rebellion. These barons included Odo of Bayeux and Robert, Count of Mortain.

The Rebellion's Goal

Their goal was to remove William Rufus from the throne. They wanted to put William's older brother, Robert Curthose, in charge instead.

However, most Normans in England stayed loyal to William Rufus. The king's army successfully attacked the rebel strongholds. These included the castles at Tonbridge, Pevensey, and Rochester.

Later Life and Family

Richard fitz Gilbert retired to a monastery in 1088. He passed his lands in England to his son Gilbert fitz Richard. His lands in Normandy went to his son Roger Fitz Richard.

Death and Burial

Richard was buried at St. Neot's Priory in 1091. His wife, Rohese Giffard, was still alive in 1113.

Richard's Marriage and Children

Richard married Rohese Giffard. She was the daughter of Walter Giffard, Lord of Longueville. Richard and Rohese had several children:

• Roger fitz Richard de Clare: He received the Norman lands.
• Gilbert fitz Richard: He took over his father's English lands.
• Walter de Clare: He became Lord of Nether Gwent.
• Richard fitz Richard de Clare: He became the Abbot of Ely.
• Robert fitz Richard: He became Lord of Little Dunmow.
• Alice (or Adeliza) de Clare: She married Walter Tirel.
• Rohese de Clare: She married Eudo Dapifer.
• Isabel de Clare: She married Humphrey d'Isle.