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Ranulf de Gernon; Ranulph de Gernon , Earl of Chester

Died: 1153   Active: 1129-1153   

One of the most powerful barons in Henry II's kingdom, he was founder of Basingwerk Abbey.

Ranulf succeeded to his father's lands and titles in England and Normandy in 1129. He married Earl Robert of Gloucester's daughter, Matilda, before 1135 and was thus associated with the Empress's rather than with Stephen's claim to the throne. He played a prominent role in the siege of Lincoln in 1140 which resulted in Stephen's capture. Later, Ranulf appealed to Stephen for support against Welsh attack in the Marches.
Contemporaries remarked on Ranulf's aggressive ambition and cunning; he was regarded as an opportunist who would exploit the situation to his own advantage.

Sites associated with this person

Basingwerk Abbey, Flintshire (founder)

Bibliographical sources

Web links (open in new window)

White, Graeme, Oxford Dictionary of National Biography online - Ranulf de Gernon (View website) (Subscription reqd.)