General Notes

EARLDOM OF LINCOLN (IV, 1)

GILBERT DE GANT or GAUNT, son and heir of Walter DE GANT, by Maud, daughter of Stephen, COUNT OF BRITTANY, was born circa 1120, at Bridlington, and baptized there. He fought on the side of Stephen at the battle of Lincoln in February 1140/1, and was there taken prisoner by Ranulph II, Earl of Chester, who compelled him to marry his niece. In 1147 he claimed the honour of Pontefract against Henry de Lacy, and in the fighting which ensued the priory of Pontefract was burnt down, and Gilbert was excommunicated. Although William de Roumare had been created Earl of Lincoln circa 1141, and presumably was still in enjoyment of that earldom, Gilbert was created by Stephen EARL OF LINCOLN circa 1147-48, and in about 1148, as Earl of Lincoln, founded Rufford Abbey, Notts.

He married Rohese, sister of Gilbert and Roger, 1st & 2nd EARLS OF HERTFORD, and daughter of Richard FITZGILBERT of Clare, by Adeliz, daughter of Ranulph I, EARL OF CHESTER, and Lucy his wife. He died s.p.m., in 1156, desiring to be buried at Bridlington Priory, where he had been baptised and brought up from childhood. His widow married Robert, Sewer of William de Percy.  [Complete Peerage VII:672-3, XIV:436, (transcribed by Dave Utzinger)]