Gilbert de Clare, 8th Earl of Gloucester

Gilbert de Clare, born circa 10 May 1291 at Clare Castle in Suffolk, England, was a prominent English nobleman and military commander in the Scottish Wars. He was the son of Gilbert de Clare, 7th Earl of Gloucester, and Joan of Acre, daughter of King Edward I. Following his father’s death in 1295, Gilbert inherited the titles of 8th Earl of Gloucester and 7th Earl of Hertford at the age of sixteen. His early life was marked by his mother’s remarriage to Ralph de Monthermer and his subsequent military focus, particularly on the northern border against Scotland. Gilbert played a significant role in the political turmoil of Edward II’s reign, including the expulsion of Piers Gaveston and the negotiation of a settlement after Gaveston’s death. He later became one of Edward II’s staunch supporters and met his end at the Battle of Bannockburn on 24 June 1314, where he was killed in unclear circumstances. His death at age 23 marked the end of the prominent de Clare family, leading to the division of his estates among his sisters.