DE CLARE, Gilbert
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Histories The Magna Carta A Descendant's Journey Through History
Albums Connections to the Magna Carta (6)
Imagine finding out you're not just linked to a pivotal slice of history, but directly descended from both sides of it. That's my story. I'm a 25th great-grandchild of King John of England and also connected to 12 of the 25 barons who played a key role in the Magna Carta. This isn't just a chapter from a history book for me; it's a personal journey through my family's past.
Few documents have resonated through the ages like the Magna Carta. The Magna Carta emerged from a period of tumult and tyranny. King John, my ancestor, often remembered more for his vices than virtues, was at the heart of this drama. His reign, marked by military failures, exorbitant taxation, and disputes with the Church, set the stage for a historic standoff between the crown and its subjects.
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Name DE CLARE, Gilbert [1, 2, 3, 4] Birth 1180 Hertfordshire, England Gender Male Books About Three Chevrons Red Differentiator Magna Carta Baron Magna Carta 1215 Gilbert and his father joined the Barons who compelled King John to sign the Magna Carta, and he was named as one of the Surety Barons. Royalty & Nobility 4th Earl of Hertford, 5th Earl of Gloucester, 1st Lord of Glamorgan, 7th Lord of Clare Web Address https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gilbert_de_Clare,_5th_Earl_of_Gloucester Web Address https://frontlinestates.ltd.uk/richard-and-gilbert-de-clare/ Web Address https://magnacarta800th.com/schools/biographies/the-25-barons-of-magna-carta/richard-de-clare-and-gilbert-de-clare/ Web Address https://www.wikitree.com/wiki/Clare-673 Residence Clare, Suffolk, England Primary family property _MILT 1223 Accompanied his brother-in-law, Earl Marshal, in an expedition into Wales _MILT 1228 Led an army against the Welsh, capturing Morgan Gam, who was released the next year. Death 25 Oct 1230 - Penros, Bretagne, France
Patriarch & Matriarch NORMANDY, Rollo I Robert the Dane, b. 860, Nord-Trondelag, Norwayd. 931, Rouen, Seine-Maritime, Haute-Normandie, France
(Age 71 years) (8 x Great Grandfather)
FITZWILLIAM, 4th Countess of Gloucester Amice, b. 1160, Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire, Englandd. 1 Jan 1225, England
(Age 65 years) (Mother)
Person ID I10296 My Genealogy Last Modified 15 Jul 2024
Father DE CLARE, Knight, 3rd Earl of Hertfordshire; 6th Lord of Clare; 6th Lord of Tonbridge; 5th Lord of Cardigan Richard, b. 1153, Tonbridge Castle, Kent, England d. 28 Nov 1217, Tonbridge Castle, Kent, England
(Age 64 years)
Relationship natural Mother FITZWILLIAM, 4th Countess of Gloucester Amice, b. 1160, Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire, England d. 1 Jan 1225, England
(Age 65 years)
Relationship natural Marriage 1177 Family ID F1336 Group Sheet | Family Chart
Family MARSHAL, Isabel, b. 9 Oct 1200, Pembroke Castle, Pembrokeshire, Wales d. 17 Jan 1240, Berkhampstead Castle, Hertfordshire, England
(Age 39 years)
Other Partners: CORNWALL, 1st Earl of Cornwall Richard ofMarriage 9 Oct 1217 Children 1. CLARE, Richard, b. 4 Aug 1222, Gloucestershire, England d. 22 Jul 1262 (Age 39 years) [Father: natural] [Mother: natural]
▻ LACY, Maud m. 25 Jan 12382. CLARE, Isabel, b. 2 Nov 1226 d. 10 Jul 1264 (Age 37 years) [Father: natural] [Mother: natural] Family ID F7326 Group Sheet | Family Chart Last Modified 15 Jul 2024
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Event Map Birth - 1180 - Hertfordshire, England Residence - Primary family property - - Clare, Suffolk, England = Link to Google Earth
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Notes - Gilbert de Clare, born in 1180, was a notable figure in medieval England, remembered as the 4th Earl of Hertford and 5th Earl of Gloucester. He was the son of Richard de Clare, 3rd Earl of Hertford, and Amice Fitz William, Countess of Gloucester. Gilbert's life was marked by his involvement in significant historical events, including the Magna Carta and the First Barons' War.
Inheriting his father's titles and estates in 1217, Gilbert became one of the most influential and wealthiest nobles of his time. His mother's heritage also brought him the estates of Gloucester and the honor of St. Hilary, along with a portion of the Giffard estates from his ancestor, Rohese Giffard. His holdings and influence were further expanded through his marriage to Isabel Marshal, daughter of William Marshal, one of the most powerful men in England.
Gilbert's role in the Magna Carta was significant. In 1215, he and his father were among the barons who became sureties of the charter, a document that sought to limit the powers of the king and establish certain legal protections. His involvement in this pivotal moment in history highlights his status and influence in the political landscape of the time.
During the First Barons' War, Gilbert initially supported Louis le Dauphin of France against King John of England. He fought at the Battle of Lincoln under the baronial banner but was captured in 1217 by William Marshal. This capture led to a change in allegiance, and he later married Marshal's daughter, Isabel, on her 17th birthday.
Gilbert's military prowess was not limited to the English shores. In 1223, he joined an expedition into Wales and, two years later, was present at the confirmation of the Magna Carta by King Henry III. His leadership and martial skills were again on display in 1228 when he led an army against the Welsh, capturing the notable Welsh leader Morgan Gam.
Gilbert's life, however, was not solely defined by warfare and politics. He was also a patron of religious and charitable institutions, a role typical of the nobility of his time. His contributions to the social and religious fabric of his estates were significant, reflecting the responsibilities and interests of a medieval lord.
Gilbert de Clare's death in 1230, while on an expedition to Brittany, marked the end of an influential career. His body was returned to England and buried in Tewkesbury Abbey, a testament to his status and the respect he commanded. His legacy continued through his children, who maintained the de Clare family's prominence in English history.
Gilbert de Clare's life exemplifies the complex interplay of power, loyalty, and warfare in medieval England. His involvement in key historical events like the Magna Carta and the First Barons' War, combined with his vast estates and influential marriage, cements his place as a significant figure in the history of medieval England.
- Gilbert de Clare, born in 1180, was a notable figure in medieval England, remembered as the 4th Earl of Hertford and 5th Earl of Gloucester. He was the son of Richard de Clare, 3rd Earl of Hertford, and Amice Fitz William, Countess of Gloucester. Gilbert's life was marked by his involvement in significant historical events, including the Magna Carta and the First Barons' War.
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Sources - [S1801] Wikipedia, Record of Richard de Clare, 6th Earl of Gloucester.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richard_de_Clare,_6th_Earl_of_Gloucester - [S1802] WikiTree, Richard (Clare) de Clare (1222 - bef. 1262).
https://www.wikitree.com/wiki/Clare-58 - [S1802] WikiTree, Record of Gilbert (Clare) de Clare (abt. 1180 - 1230).
https://www.wikitree.com/wiki/Clare-673 - [S1801] Wikipedia, Record of Gilbert de Clare, 5th Earl of Gloucester.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gilbert_de_Clare,_5th_Earl_of_Gloucester
- [S1801] Wikipedia, Record of Richard de Clare, 6th Earl of Gloucester.