General Notes

Alias:<ALIA> Gislebert /Crispin/
REFN: 7020AN
Count of Brionne. Assassinated. Note: He was Sieur De Tillieres abt.
1030-104 0. Earl of Eu, Count of Brionne, Guardian of William The
Conqueror during his minority.Alias:<ALIA> /Crispin/
REFN: P1520
Gilbert was the son of Richard the Fearles s. As a young man he inherited
Brionne and became one of the most powerful la ndowners in Normandy.
In about 1026, Herleva of Falaise, the sixteen year old daughter of a
tanner from Falaise in Normandy, gave birth to a son called Ric hard.
Gilbert was the father of the child. As Herleva was not married to
Gi lbert, the boy became known as Richard Fitz Gilbert. The term 'Fitz'
was used to show that Richard was the illegitimate son of Gilbert.
When Robert, Duke o f Normandy died in 1035 William the Conqueror
inherited his father's title. S everal leading Normans, including Gilbert
of Brionne, Osbern the Seneschal an d Alan of Brittany, became William's
guardians.
A number of Norman barons wo uld not accept an illegitimate son as their
leader and in 1040 an attempt was made to kill William. The plot failed
but they did manage to kill Gilbert of Brionne. It is believed his killer
was Ralph of Wacy.
Gilbert/Giselbert "Crispin", Count of Brionne and Eu, (b 979? or 98
6? - d. 1040?), Count of Eu, and of Brionne or Brienne, France.
Parentage
Some sources say Gislebert was the son of Godfrey of Brionne & Eu. Othe
rs than he was the son of Gilbert, Baron of Bec. Still others that his fat
her was Crispin De Bec (b. 940). Some say he was the son of an illegitima
te child of Richard the Fearless. Gislebert's mother was apparently Haloi
se De Guines (b. 942).
Life
Whatever his parentage, he inherited Brionne, becoming one of the most pow
erful landowners in Normandy. He married Gunnora d'Aunou (Gunmore d'Aino
n) in 1012. He had children by his wife and a mistress. The name Crisp
in os said to have referred to the family's erect curly hair.
Gislebert was a generous benefactor to the Abbey of Bec founded by his fom
er knight Herluin in 1031.
When Robert I, Duke of Normandy died in 1035 his illegitimate son Willi
am inherited his father's title. Several leading Normans, including Gilbe
rt of Brionne, Osbern the Seneschal and Alan of Brittany, became William
's guardians.
Death
A number of Norman barons including Raoul De Gacé would not accept an ille
gitimate son as their leader. In 1040 an attempt was made to kill Willi
am but the plot failed. Gilbert however was murdered while he was peaceab
ly riding near Eschafour. It is believed two of his killers were Ral
ph of Wacy and Robert De Vitot. This appears to have been an act of vengea
nce for wrongs inflicted upon the orphan children of Giroie by Gilbert, a
nd it is not clear what Raoul De Gacé had to do in the business. Fearing t
hey might meet their father's fate, his sons Richard and his brother Baldw
in were conveyed by their friends to the court of Baldwin, Count of Flande
rs.
Children
Gilbert was the great progenitor of the illustrious house of Clare, of t
he Barons Fitz Walter, and the Earls of Gloucester and Hertford.
Esilia Crispin, daughter (b. ca. 1028), (d. ca. 1072). m. William Malet, S
eigneur of Graville, (ca. 1042).
Sir Richard (William) Fitz Gilbert (b. ca. 1035).
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