Gilbert FitzRichard

Gilbert FitzRichard, also styled de Clare and de Tonbridge, was a powerful Anglo-Norman baron. He inherited his father’s English lands in 1088, was involved in resistance to William Rufus that year, later attended the courts of William Rufus and Henry I, and received the Lordship of Cardigan from Henry I about 1110. He married Adeliza, or Alice, de Clermont and had at least eight children.

Gilbert FitzRichard was the second son and an heir of Richard Fitz Gilbert of Clare and Rohese Giffard. He was born before 1066. He was styled de Clare and de Tonbridge and was described as Lord of Clare.

In 1088, when his father retired to a monastery, Gilbert succeeded to his father’s possessions in England. His brother Roger Fitz Richard inherited their father’s lands in Normandy. In the same year, Gilbert and Roger fortified Tonbridge Castle against the forces of William Rufus. The castle was stormed; Gilbert was wounded and taken prisoner.

Despite this conflict, Gilbert and Roger were present with King William Rufus at the king’s death in August 1100. Gilbert was also with Henry I at the king’s Christmas court at Westminster in 1101. Modern historians have suggested that Gilbert may have been involved in a baronial conspiracy connected with the suspicious death of William II, but Frank Barlow stated that no proof has been found that Gilbert took part in the king’s death or that such a conspiracy existed.

About 1088, Gilbert married Adeliza, also called Alice, de Clermont, daughter of Hugh, Count of Clermont, and Margaret de Ramerupt. Their children were Richard Fitz Gilbert de Clare; Gilbert Fitz Gilbert de Clare, later 1st Earl of Pembroke; Baldwin Fitz Gilbert de Clare; Adelize, or Alice, de Clare; Hervey de Clare, Lord of Montmorency; Walter de Clare; Margaret de Clare; and Rohese de Clare.

In 1110, Henry I took Cardigan from Owain ap Cadwgan, son of Cadwgan ap Bleddyn, following crimes attributed to Owain, including the abduction of Nest, wife of Gerald de Windsor. Henry then gave Gilbert the Lordship of Cardigan, including Cardigan Castle. Gilbert also founded the Clunic priory at Stoke-by-Clare, Suffolk.

Gilbert died in or before 1117. His supplied life dates list 21 September 1065 to 17 November 1114.

Historical context

Gilbert lived during the Anglo-Norman period, when major landholders held estates in both England and Normandy and royal authority was contested by powerful barons. His receipt of Cardigan placed him among the Anglo-Norman lords involved in royal control of Welsh territory under Henry I.

Sources & research

Original family tree maker notes for Gilbert FitzRichard, including citations [1] through [15]. Full bibliographic details for these citations were not supplied.

Citation [1]: Parentage and birth before 1066.
Citation [2]: Succession to English possessions in 1088.
Citation [3]: Roger Fitz Richard’s inheritance of Norman lands.
Citation [4]: Events at Tonbridge in 1088 and attendance at the deaths/courts of William Rufus and Henry I.
Citation [5]: Modern suggestion of conspiracy and Frank Barlow’s assessment.
Citation [6]: Henry I’s taking of Cardigan from Owain ap Cadwgan.
Citation [7]: Grant of Cardigan and foundation at Stoke-by-Clare.
Citation [8]: Gilbert’s death and marriage to Adeliza/Alice de Clermont.
Citation [9]: Approximate date of marriage.
Citation [10]: Richard and Gilbert Fitz Gilbert de Clare.
Citation [11]: Baldwin Fitz Gilbert de Clare and Adeline de Rollos.
Citation [12]: Adelize/Alice de Clare and Aubrey II de Vere.
Citation [13]: Hervey de Clare.
Citation [14]: Walter de Clare.
Citation [15]: Margaret de Clare and William de Montfitchet.