Gloucester, Gilbert de Clare, 7th earl of

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Gloucester, Gilbert de Clare, 7th earl of (1291–1314). Son of the 6th earl by his second wife, de Clare was therefore nephew to Edward II and was brought up with the young king, who was seven years older. He inherited the title at the age of 4. He seems to have tried to moderate the animosity caused by Edward's favourite, Piers Gaveston, who had married his sister. He acted as guardian or regent in 1311 and again in 1313. His political future seemed to be assured but he was much employed in warfare against the Scots and was killed in the thick of the fighting at Bannockburn.

J. A. Cannon

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