Robert Fitzroy, 1st Earl of Gloucester

Robert Fitzroy (d1147), was the first earl of Gloucester, the eldest, but illegitimate, son of King Henry I.1 He married Robert Fitzhamon's daughter Mabel at Lisieux in France. Half-brother of the Empress Matilda, he fought on her side during the war with King Stephen. In 1141 both Robert and Stephen were captured in separate battles, Stephen at the Battle of Lincoln, and Robert some months later when his army was defeated at the Battle of Winchester. Both men were exchanged for each other.2

Robert was key figure during The Anarchy — the civil war between Empress Matilda (his half-sister) and King Stephen. He was Matilda’s chief military supporter, and strategist, helping her claim to the English throne. and he played a crucial role in capturing Stephen at the Battle of Lincoln (1141).3

• 1. ODNB http://www.oxforddnb.com/view/article/23716?docPos=8
• 2.
  
  Bradbury, Jim Stephen And Matilda: The Civil War Of 1139-53 Stroud The History Press 2005.

  pp102-109, 121-125.

• 3.
  
  Poole, Austin Lane From Domesday Book To Magna Carta The Oxford History Of England The Oxford History Of England Oxford Clarendon Press 1985.

  p142.