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William (second) earl of Gloucester

Died: 23 November 1183   Active: 1147-1183   

William inherited one of the greatest Anglo-Norman baronies but was regarded as a poor soldier. Cardiff was the seat of his Welsh lordship and he effectively had palatine jurisdiction in his marcher lordship of Glamorgan.

William's maternal grandfather was Robert fitz Haimon, founder of Cardiff; his father was Robert, earl of Gloucester (d. 1147).
Bristol, Cardiff and Torigni-sur-Vire, were the seats of government for William's main English, Welsh and Norman lordships. Initially Bristol served as his principal seat of lordship but after Henry II seized his castle there he transferred his seat to Cardiff.
William's son died in 1166 and he was succeeded by Countess Isabella of Gloucester (d. 1217).

Sites associated with this person

Cardiff Priory, Cardiff (patron)

Margam Abbey, Neath Port Talbot (patron)

Bibliographical sources

Printed sources

Robinson, David M., The Cistercians in Wales: Architecture and Archaeology 1130-1540, Society of Antiquaries of London, Research Committee Report (London, 2006) p. 253

Web links (open in new window)

Patterson, Robert B., Oxford Dictionary of National Biography online - William 2nd earl of Gloucester (View website) (Subscription reqd.)