The Deeds of the Dukes of Normandy
The Gesta Normannorum Ducum [The Deeds of the Dukes of Normandy] is a landmark medieval chronicle tracing the rise and fall of the Norman dynasty from its early roots through the pivotal events surrounding the Norman Conquest of England. Originally penned in Latin by the monk William of Jumièges shortly before 1060 and later expanded at the behest of William the Conqueror, the work chronicles the deeds, politics, battles, and leadership of the Norman dukes, especially William’s own claim to the English throne. The narrative combines earlier historical sources with firsthand information and oral testimony to present an authoritative account of Normandy’s transformation from a Viking settlement into one of medieval Europe’s most powerful realms. William’s history emphasizes the legitimacy, military prowess, and governance of the Norman line, framing their expansion, including the conquest of England, as both divinely sanctioned and noble in purpose. Later chroniclers such as Orderic Vitalis and Robert of Torigni continued the history, extending the coverage into the 12th century, providing broader context on ducal rule and its impact. Today this classic work remains a foundational source for understanding Norman identity, medieval statesmanship, and the historical forces that reshaped England and Western Europe between 800AD and 1100AD.
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Earl Gloucester is in Earldoms of England Alphabetically.
There have been four creations of Earl Gloucester:
1st. 1121. Robert Normandy 1st Earl Gloucester. Extinct. 24th June 1314. Battle of Bannockburn.
2nd. August 1297. Ralph Monthermer 1st Earl of Gloucester and Hertford. Extinct. 5th April 1325.
3rd. January 1337. Hugh Audley 1st Earl Gloucester. Extinct. 10th November 1347.
4th. 29th September 1397. Thomas Despencer 1st Earl Gloucester. Forfeit. 13th January 1400.
Earl Gloucester is also in Earldoms of England Chronologically, Succeeded Countesses of England, Extinct Earldoms of England.
Summary
1121. Robert Normandy 1st Earl Gloucester [aged 22] created.
31st October 1147. Son William Fitzrobert 2nd Earl Gloucester succeeded.
1183. Daughter Isabella Fitzrobert 3rd Countess Gloucester and Essex [aged 10] succeeded.
1204. Fourth Cousin Once Removed Amaury VI Montfort 5th Count Évreux 4th Earl Gloucester succeeded.
1217. Fourth Cousin Twice Removed Gilbert Clare 5th Earl Gloucester 4th Earl Hertford [aged 37] succeeded.
25th October 1230. Son Richard de Clare 6th Earl Gloucester 5th Earl Hertford [aged 8] succeeded.
14th July 1262. Son Gilbert "Red Earl" Clare 7th Earl Gloucester 6th Earl Hertford [aged 18] succeeded.
7th December 1295. Son Gilbert de Clare 8th Earl Gloucester 7th Earl Hertford [aged 4] succeeded.
24th June 1314. Gilbert de Clare 8th Earl Gloucester 7th Earl Hertford extinct. See Battle of Bannockburn.
In June 1119 Robert Normandy 1st Earl Gloucester [aged 20] and Mabel Fitzhamon Countess Gloucester were married at Lisieux, Calvados, Basse Normandie. She by marriage Countess Gloucester. He the illegitmate son of King Henry I "Beauclerc" England [aged 51] and Daughter Gay.
In 1121 Robert Normandy 1st Earl Gloucester [aged 22] was created 1st Earl Gloucester.
On 31st October 1147 Robert Normandy 1st Earl Gloucester [aged 48] died. His son William succeeded 2nd Earl Gloucester.
In or before 1151 William Fitzrobert 2nd Earl Gloucester and Hawise Beaumont Countess Gloucester were married. She by marriage Countess Gloucester. She the daughter of Robert Beaumont 2nd Earl of Leicester [aged 46] and Amice Gael Countess Leicester. He the son of Robert Normandy 1st Earl Gloucester and Mabel Fitzhamon Countess Gloucester. They were fourth cousins. He a grandson of King Henry I "Beauclerc" England.
In 1183 William Fitzrobert 2nd Earl Gloucester died. His daughter Isabella [aged 10] succeeded 3rd Countess Gloucester.
On 29th August 1189 King John of England [aged 22] and Isabella Fitzrobert 3rd Countess Gloucester and Essex [aged 16] were married at Marlborough Castle [Map]. He by marriage Earl Gloucester. See Gesta Regis Henrici and Gesta Regis Henrici by Benedict of Peterborough. She the daughter of William Fitzrobert 2nd Earl Gloucester and Hawise Beaumont Countess Gloucester. He the son of King Henry "Curtmantle" II of England and Eleanor of Aquitaine Queen Consort Franks and England [aged 67]. They were half second cousins. She a great granddaughter of King Henry I "Beauclerc" England.
Around 1204 Amaury VI Montfort 5th Count Évreux 4th Earl Gloucester succeeded 4th Earl Gloucester.
Chronicle of Walter of Guisborough
A canon regular of the Augustinian Guisborough Priory, Yorkshire, formerly known as The Chronicle of Walter of Hemingburgh, describes the period from 1066 to 1346. Before 1274 the Chronicle is based on other works. Thereafter, the Chronicle is original, and a remarkable source for the events of the time. This book provides a translation of the Chronicle from that date. The Latin source for our translation is the 1849 work edited by Hans Claude Hamilton. Hamilton, in his preface, says: 'In the present work we behold perhaps one of the finest samples of our early chronicles, both as regards the value of the events recorded, and the correctness with which they are detailed; Nor will the pleasing style of composition be lightly passed over by those capable of seeing reflected from it the tokens of a vigorous and cultivated mind, and a favourable specimen of the learning and taste of the age in which it was framed.'
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On 20th January 1214 Geoffrey Mandeville 2nd Earl Essex [aged 23] and Isabella Fitzrobert 3rd Countess Gloucester and Essex [aged 41] were married. She by marriage Countess Essex, Countess Gloucester. She the daughter of William Fitzrobert 2nd Earl Gloucester and Hawise Beaumont Countess Gloucester. He the son of Geoffrey Fitzpeter 1st Earl Essex and Beatrice Saye.
In 1217 Richard Clare 3rd Earl Hertford [aged 64] died. His son Gilbert [aged 37] succeeded 5th Earl Gloucester, 4th Earl Hertford, 7th Lord Clare.
In or before 1218 Gilbert Clare 5th Earl Gloucester 4th Earl Hertford [aged 37] and Isabel Marshal Countess Cornwall, Gloucester and Hertford [aged 17] were married. She by marriage Countess Gloucester, Countess Hertford. The difference in their ages was 20 years. She the daughter of William Marshal 1st Earl Pembroke [aged 71] and Isabel Clare Countess Pembroke [aged 45]. He the son of Richard Clare 3rd Earl Hertford and Amice Fitzrobert Countess Hertford. They were third cousins. He a great x 2 grandson of King Henry I "Beauclerc" England.
On 25th October 1230 Gilbert Clare 5th Earl Gloucester 4th Earl Hertford [aged 50] died. His son Richard [aged 8] succeeded 6th Earl Gloucester, 5th Earl Hertford, 8th Lord Clare, 2nd Lord Glamorgan.
Before November 1237 Richard de Clare 6th Earl Gloucester 5th Earl Hertford [aged 15] and Margaret Burgh Countess Gloucester and Hertford [aged 15] were married. She by marriage Countess Gloucester, Countess Hertford. She the daughter of Hubert de Burgh Count Mortain 1st Earl Kent [aged 67] and Margaret Dunkeld Countess Kent [aged 44]. He the son of Gilbert Clare 5th Earl Gloucester 4th Earl Hertford and Isabel Marshal Countess Cornwall, Gloucester and Hertford [aged 37]. They were half third cousin once removed. He a great x 3 grandson of King Henry I "Beauclerc" England. She a great x 3 granddaughter of King Henry I "Beauclerc" England.
After November 1237 Richard de Clare 6th Earl Gloucester 5th Earl Hertford [aged 15] and Maud Lacy Countess Gloucester and Hertford [aged 14] were married. She by marriage Countess Gloucester, Countess Hertford. She the daughter of John Lacy Earl Lincoln [aged 45] and Margaret Quincy 3rd Countess Lincoln and Pembroke [aged 31]. He the son of Gilbert Clare 5th Earl Gloucester 4th Earl Hertford and Isabel Marshal Countess Cornwall, Gloucester and Hertford [aged 37]. They were third cousin once removed. He a great x 3 grandson of King Henry I "Beauclerc" England. She a great x 4 granddaughter of King Henry I "Beauclerc" England.
On 14th July 1262 Richard de Clare 6th Earl Gloucester 5th Earl Hertford [aged 39] died. His son Gilbert [aged 18] succeeded 7th Earl Gloucester, 6th Earl Hertford, 9th Lord Clare, 3rd Lord Glamorgan. Alice or Alix Lusignan Countess Gloucester and Hertford [aged 26] by marriage Countess Gloucester, Countess Hertford.
On 2nd May 1290 Gilbert "Red Earl" Clare 7th Earl Gloucester 6th Earl Hertford [aged 46] and Joan of Acre Countess Gloucester and Hertford [aged 18] were married at Clerkenwell [Map]. She by marriage Countess Gloucester, Countess Hertford. The difference in their ages was 28 years. She the daughter of King Edward I of England [aged 50] and Eleanor of Castile Queen Consort England [aged 49]. He the son of Richard de Clare 6th Earl Gloucester 5th Earl Hertford and Maud Lacy Countess Gloucester and Hertford. They were half fifth cousins. He a great x 4 grandson of King Henry I "Beauclerc" England.
On 7th December 1295 Gilbert "Red Earl" Clare 7th Earl Gloucester 6th Earl Hertford [aged 52] died at Monmouth Castle [Map]. He buried at Tewkesbury Abbey [Map]. His son Gilbert [aged 4] succeeded 8th Earl Gloucester, 7th Earl Hertford, 8th Lord Clare, 4th Lord Glamorgan.
On 29th September 1308 (possibly 30th) in a Siblings Marriage de Clare siblings married de Burgh siblings at Waltham Abbey, Essex [Map] in the presence of King Edward II of England [aged 24].
John Burgh [aged 22] and Elizabeth Clare Lady Verdun [aged 13] were married. She the daughter of Gilbert "Red Earl" Clare 7th Earl Gloucester 6th Earl Hertford and Joan of Acre Countess Gloucester and Hertford. He the son of Richard "Red Earl" Burgh 2nd Earl of Ulster [aged 49] and Margaret Burgh Countess Ulster. They were sixth cousins. She a granddaughter of King Edward I of England.
Gilbert de Clare 8th Earl Gloucester 7th Earl Hertford [aged 17] and Matilda Burgh Countess Gloucester and Hertford [aged 20] were married. She by marriage Countess Gloucester, Countess Hertford. She the daughter of Richard "Red Earl" Burgh 2nd Earl of Ulster and Margaret Burgh Countess Ulster. He the son of Gilbert "Red Earl" Clare 7th Earl Gloucester 6th Earl Hertford and Joan of Acre Countess Gloucester and Hertford. They were sixth cousins. He a grandson of King Edward I of England.
On 24th June 1314 the Scottish army of King Robert the Bruce I of Scotland [aged 39] including, James "Black" Douglas [aged 28], heavily defeated the English army led by King Edward II of England [aged 30] at the Battle of Bannockburn.
Gilbert de Clare 8th Earl Gloucester 7th Earl Hertford [aged 23] was killed. Earl Gloucester, Earl Hertford extinct.
John Comyn 4th Lord Baddenoch [aged 20], Robert Felton 1st Baron Felton [aged 44] and William Vesci were killed.
William Marshal 1st Baron Marshal [aged 36] was killed. His son John [aged 22] succeeded 2nd Baron Marshal.
Robert Clifford 1st Baron Clifford [aged 40] was killed. His son Roger [aged 14] succeeded 2nd Baron de Clifford.
John Lovell 2nd Baron Lovel [aged 25] was killed. His son John succeeded 3rd Baron Lovel of Titchmarsh.
Henry Bohun was killed by King Robert the Bruce I of Scotland. He was buried in Llanthony Secunda Priory, Gloucestershire [Map].
Walter Fauconberg 2nd Baron Fauconberg [aged 50] possilby died although his death is also reported as being on 31 Dec 1318.
Bartholomew Badlesmere 1st Baron Badlesmere [aged 38], Humphrey Bohun 4th Earl Hereford 3rd Earl Essex [aged 38], Goronwy ap Tudur Hen Tudor, Henry Beaumont Earl Buchan [aged 35], Aymer de Valence 2nd Earl Pembroke [aged 39] and Robert Umfraville 8th Earl Angus [aged 37] fought.
Pain Tiptoft 1st Baron Tibetot [aged 34] was killed. His son John succeeded 2nd Baron Tibetot.
John Montfort 2nd Baron Montfort [aged 23] was killed. Peter Montfort 3rd Baron Montfort [aged 23] succeeded 3rd Baron Montfort.
Thomas Grey [aged 34] undertook a suicidal charge that contributed to the English defeat and subsequently blemished his career.
William Latimer 2nd Baron Latimer of Corby [aged 38] was captured.
Michael Poynings [aged 44] was killed.
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Earl Gloucester is also in Earldoms of England Chronologically, Extinct Earldoms of England.
Summary
August 1297. Ralph Monthermer 1st Earl of Gloucester and Hertford [aged 27] created.
5th April 1325. Ralph Monthermer 1st Earl of Gloucester and Hertford extinct.
In August 1297 Ralph Monthermer 1st Earl of Gloucester and Hertford [aged 27] was created 1st Earl Gloucester, 1st Earl Hertford. There is some uncertainty as to whether these creations existed, or were created for life only, since they do appear to have been inherited, or whether there is confusion around his having been married to Joan of Acre Countess Gloucester and Hertford [aged 25], the widow of the seventh Earl of the first creation Gilbert "Red Earl" Clare 7th Earl Gloucester 6th Earl Hertford.
Chronicle of Geoffrey le Baker of Swinbroke
Baker was a secular clerk from Swinbroke, now Swinbrook, an Oxfordshire village two miles east of Burford. His Chronicle describes the events of the period 1303-1356: Gaveston, Bannockburn, Boroughbridge, the murder of King Edward II, the Scottish Wars, Sluys, Crécy, the Black Death, Winchelsea and Poitiers. To quote Herbert Bruce 'it possesses a vigorous and characteristic style, and its value for particular events between 1303 and 1356 has been recognised by its editor and by subsequent writers'. The book provides remarkable detail about the events it describes. Baker's text has been augmented with hundreds of notes, including extracts from other contemporary chronicles, such as the Annales Londonienses, Annales Paulini, Murimuth, Lanercost, Avesbury, Guisborough and Froissart to enrich the reader's understanding. The translation takes as its source the 'Chronicon Galfridi le Baker de Swynebroke' published in 1889, edited by Edward Maunde Thompson.
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On 5th April 1325 Ralph Monthermer 1st Earl of Gloucester and Hertford [aged 55] died. Earl Gloucester, Earl Hertford extinct. His son Thomas [aged 23] succeeded 2nd Baron Monthermer.
Earl Gloucester is also in Earldoms of England Chronologically, Extinct Earldoms of England.
Summary
January 1337. Hugh Audley 1st Earl Gloucester [aged 46] created. See 1337 Creation of Earls.
10th November 1347. Hugh Audley 1st Earl Gloucester extinct.
In January 1337 King Edward III of England [aged 24] created a number of new Earldom's probably in preparation for his forthcoming war against France...
William Montagu 1st Earl Salisbury [aged 36] was created 1st Earl Salisbury. Catherine Grandison Countess of Salisbury [aged 33] by marriage Countess Salisbury.
William Bohun 1st Earl of Northampton [aged 27] was created 1st Earl of Northampton. Elizabeth Badlesmere Countess Northampton [aged 24] by marriage Countess of Northampton.
Hugh Audley 1st Earl Gloucester [aged 46] was created 1st Earl Gloucester probably as compensation for his daughter Margaret Audley Countess Stafford [aged 19] having been abducted by Ralph Stafford 1st Earl Stafford [aged 35].
Robert Ufford 1st Earl Suffolk [aged 38] was created 1st Earl Suffolk. Margaret Norwich Countess Suffolk [aged 51] by marriage Countess Suffolk.
On 10th November 1347 Hugh Audley 1st Earl Gloucester [aged 56] died at Tonbridge, Kent [Map]. He was buried at Tonbridge Priory, Kent [Map]. Earl Gloucester extinct. Baron Audley of Stratton Audley in Oxfordshire 1317dormant.
Earl Gloucester is also in Earldoms of England Chronologically, Forfeit Earldoms of England.
Summary
29th September 1397. Thomas Despencer 1st Earl Gloucester [aged 24] created.
13th January 1400. Thomas Despencer 1st Earl Gloucester forfeit.
On 29th September 1397 Thomas Despencer 1st Earl Gloucester [aged 24] was created 1st Earl Gloucester. Constance York Countess Gloucester [aged 23] by marriage Countess Gloucester.
Before 13th January 1400 Thomas Despencer 1st Earl Gloucester [aged 26] was attainted. Earl Gloucester, Baron Despencer, Baron Despencer, Baron Despencer forfeit. Some sources refer to this as 'degraded' although it isn't clear what the difference is?