Robert, 1st Earl of Gloucester facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Robert of Caen |
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| Earl of Gloucester | |
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| Effigy of Robert Consul, St James' Priory, Bristol. 1840 drawing | |
| Spouse(s) | Mabel FitzRobert |
| Issue | |
| *Legitimate: William Fitz Robert, 2nd Earl of Gloucester Roger of Worcester Hamon of Gloucester Mabel FitzRobert m. Aubrey de Vere Maud of Gloucester, Countess of Chester Philip of Gloucester Richard FitzRobert Sire de Creully
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| Father | Henry I of England |
| Born | c. 1090 |
| Died | 31 October 1147 |
Robert FitzRoy, 1st Earl of Gloucester (born around 1090 – died October 31, 1147) was a very important person in English history. He was a son of King Henry I of England, though not born within marriage. Robert was the half-brother of Empress Matilda. He became her main military helper during a civil war known as The Anarchy. This war was fought between Matilda and Stephen of Blois for the throne of England. Robert was also known as Robert Rufus, Robert de Caen, or Robert Consul.
Contents
Robert's Early Years
Robert was likely the oldest of King Henry I's many children born outside of marriage. He was born around 1090, before his father became king. His mother was probably from a family in Oxfordshire, England.
Robert might have been born in a city called Caen in Normandy, France. He might also have been the leader or governor of that city because of his marriage.
Robert's father arranged for him to marry Mabel FitzRobert. She was the daughter and heir of a powerful lord named Robert Fitzhamon. They got married in June 1119. Mabel brought Robert a lot of land and power. This included important areas like Gloucester in England and Glamorgan in Wales. After a terrible ship accident in 1120, his father made him the Earl of Gloucester in 1121 or 1122. This made him a very powerful noble.
Robert's Family Life
Robert and his wife Mabel FitzRobert had seven children together after they married in 1119:
- William FitzRobert (born around 1121 – died 1183): He became the 2nd Earl of Gloucester after his father.
- Roger FitzRobert (born around 1123 – died 1179): He became the Bishop of Worcester, a high church position.
- Hamon FitzRobert (born around 1124 – died 1159): He was a knight and died in a battle in Toulouse.
- Richard FitzRobert (born around 1125 – died 1175): He became the Lord of Creully after his mother.
- Matilda FitzRobert (born around 1126 – died 1189): She married Ranulf de Gernon, 4th Earl of Chester in 1143.
- Mabel FitzRobert: She married Aubrey de Vere.
- Philip FitzRobert (born around 1130 – died 1148): He was the Lord of Cricklade.
Robert also had four children born outside of marriage:
- Richard FitzRobert (died 1142): He became the Bishop of Bayeux.
- Robert FitzRobert (died 1170): He was a leader in Gloucester and married Hawise de Reviers.
- Mabel FitzRobert: She married Gruffud, Lord of Senghenydd.
- Thomas FitzRobert
Robert and King Stephen: A Royal Rivalry
Some people thought Robert should become king after his father, King Henry I, died. However, because he was born outside of marriage, he could not claim the throne. He believed it was fairer for his half-sister's son (who would later become Henry II of England) to rule.
At first, Robert supported the new King Stephen. But soon, a civil war began between King Stephen and Robert's half-sister, Empress Matilda. This war was called "The Anarchy."
In 1141, Robert's forces captured King Stephen at the First Battle of Lincoln. This gave Empress Matilda a big advantage. However, she upset the people of London and was not crowned queen. Later that year, Matilda's forces were defeated, and Robert of Gloucester was captured.
King Stephen and Robert were then exchanged as prisoners. But by freeing Stephen, Empress Matilda lost her best chance to become queen. She later went back to France, and her son became King Henry II in 1154, after Stephen died.
Robert of Gloucester died in 1147 at Bristol Castle. He was buried at St James' Priory, Bristol, a church he had helped to build in 1129.
See also
In Spanish: Roberto de Gloucester para niños
