Gilbert de Clare, 7th Earl of Gloucester

Gilbert de Clare, known as ‘Red’ Gilbert de Clare or ‘The Red Earl’, was a powerful English noble with fiery red hair or temperament. He inherited his father’s estates and titles in 1262, including the Lordship of Glamorgan and over 200 English manors. He led the massacre of the Jews at Canterbury in April 1264 and was excommunicated by Pope Clement IV in October 1264. After changing sides in the Second Barons’ War, he was instrumental in the defeat of Simon de Montfort. As a Marcher Lord, he built Caerphilly Castle into a fortress and was involved in disputes with Llewelyn the Last and Humphrey de Bohun, which resulted in a private war and a lesson in royal authority. Gilbert married Alice de Lusignan and Joan of Acre, producing several children, including his successor, Gilbert de Clare, 7th Earl of Hertford.