Gilbert De Clare "The Red", Earl of Gloucester

Gilbert De Clare was one of the most powerful English noblemen of the 13th century. His support decided the outcome of power struggle between the king and his barons.

Nicknamed the “Red Earl” after the color of his hair, Gilbert was born as the eldest son of Richard de Clare, Earl of Gloucester & Hertford and Margaret de Lacy, the Countess of Lincoln. Gilbert’s father died in 1262, and a year later he inherited vast estates in the West Country, the Welsh Marches and Ireland.

At the beginning of Simon de Montfort's Rebellion of 1263-4, Gilbert was his supporter and have played a significant part at the battle of Lewes in May 1264, when the King Henry III (r. 1216-1272) himself surrendered to him. However, Gilbert and Simon came to clash, and Gilbert joined forces with king’s son, Edward, afterward King Edward I (r. 1272-1307). Gilbert contributed largely to Edward’s victory at Evesham in August 1265, where Simon de Montfort was killed and King Henry III rescued.

Gilbert once again came into conflict with Henry III and took over the city of London in 1267. However, he quickly made his peace with Henry III and with Prince Edward. Later in his life, Gilbert spent several years fighting in Wales, or on the Welsh border, for King Edward I. In 1290, Gilbert married Edward I's daughter, Joan of Acre.