Gilbert de Lacy

• Preferred Name: Gilbert de Lacy^{[1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] [7] [8] [9] [10] [11] [12] [13]}
  
• Gender: M
  
• FSID: G3BW-WCD
  
• Birth: ABT 1093 in Ewyas Harold, Herefordshire, England at LATI: N1.9513 LONG: E2.8934
  
• Burial: AFT 1163 in Beaubeck, Duchy of Normandy, France at LATI: N6 LONG: E0
  
• Death: AFT 1163 in Ewyas Lacy, Herefordshire, England at LATI: N2.1344 LONG: E2.7492
  
• MilitaryService: Knights Templar -- A commander of the Crusader Army vs the Nur ad-Dinearly 1160s
  
• Religion: Precentor of the Knights Templar
  
• Notes:

  === Life Sketch ===
  Gilbert de Lacy (died after 1163) was a medieval Anglo-Norman baron in England, the grandson of Walter de Lacy who died in 1085. Gilbert's father forfeited his English lands in 1096, and Gilbert initially only inherited the lands in Normandy. The younger de Lacy spent much of his life trying to recover his father's English lands, and eventually succeeded. Around 1158, de Lacy became a Templar and went to the Holy Land, where he was one of the commanders against Nur ad-Din in the early 1160s. He died after 1163.
  Gilbert de Lacy was the son of Roger de Lacy, who in turn was the son of Walter de Lacy who died in 1085. Roger de Lacy was banished from England in 1096, and his estates were confiscated. These lands, which included substantial holdings along the border with Wales, were given to Pain fitzJohn, Josce de Dinan and Miles of Gloucester. Roger de Lacy's lands in Normandy, however, were not confiscated, as they were held of the Bishop of Bayeux in feudal tenure.
  
  Stephen's reign
  Gilbert de Lacy had inherited his father's lands in Normandy by 1133, and by 1136 was in England with King Stephen of England. Although de Lacy recovered some of his father's lands, the border lands near Wales were not recovered. Among the lands Gilbert recovered were lands about Weobley. He also was granted some lands in Yorkshire that had been in dispute.
  
  Although de Lacy had spent time at Stephen's court, during the civil war that occurred during Stephen's reign, he switched sides and served Stephen's rival, Matilda the Empress. In 1138, he was besieged by the king at Weobley along with his cousin Geoffrey Talbot, but both men escaped when the king took the castle in June. De Lacy also led an army in an attack against Bath in the service of the Empress, along with Geoffrey Talbot, which also occurred in 1138 and which some historians have seen as the opening act of the civil war.
  
  De Lacy witnessed charters of the Empress in 1141. During the later 1140s, de Lacy was able to recover many of his father's Welsh marcher lands, and one of his efforts at Ludlow was later embroidered in the medieval romance Fouke le Fitz Waryn. He and Miles of Gloucester were claimants to many of the same lands, and during Stephen's reign were generally on opposite sides of the succession dispute. In June 1153, de Lacy was in the company of Matilda's son, Henry fitzEmpress, who became King Henry II of England in 1154.
  
  De Lacy gave land to the cathedral chapter of Hereford Cathedral. He also gave a manor at Guiting to the Knights Templar and two churches, at Weobley and Clodock to Llanthony Priory, which was a monastery founded by his family.
  
  Later years and death
  Around 1158 de Lacy surrendered his lands to his eldest son Robert when the elder de Lacy became a member of the Knights Templar. He then travelled through France to Jerusalem, where de Lacy became precentor of the Templars in the County of Tripoli. In 1163, de Lacy was one of the crusader army commanders fighting against Nur ad-Din.
  
  De Lacy's year of death is unknown, but he was commemorated on 20 November at Hereford Cathedral. Robert died without children sometime before 1162, when Gilbert's younger son Hugh de Lacy inherited the lands.
  
  The Gesta Stephani called de Lacy "a man of judgement and shrewd and painstaking in every operation of war".
  
  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gilbert_de_Lacy
  
  BIO
  BIO: 4th Baron de Lacy; took mother's surname.
  
  ** from http://fmg.ac/Projects/MedLands/ENGLISHNOBILITYMEDIEVAL3L-O.htm#HughLacydied1186A as of 6/16/2016
  
  GILBERT de Lacy, son of --- (-[May 1160/1163
  
  === Gilbert at first, supported the Empress ===
  Gilbert at first, supported the Empress Matilda during the reign of Stephen, in whose behalf he attempted to capture Bath in 1138. In 1146 he had gone over to Stephen's side. he appears to have gained the favor of Henry II, Matilda's son. He joined the knights of the Temple and went to the Holy Land, where he became preceptor of his order in the country of Tripoli, in which capacity he engaged in Geoffrey of Angouleme's successful expedition against Noureddin in 1163. He gave the templars 12 hides of land and one virgate in Guttinges, and also five burgages in Winchombe. He is described as a prudent man and skillful soldier.
  
  === Most agree that Walter de Lacy was Gilberts Grandfather ===
  There are conflicting versions of his parentage, although most agree that he was a grandson of Walter de Lacy. One account, supported by the Wikipedia article referenced below, states that his father was Roger de Lacy, son of Walter de Lacy. Other scholars place him as the son of Emma de Lacey (daughter of Walter, sister of Roger, and sister and co-heiress of Hugh de Lacy). Emma as mother is supported by Charles Cawley in the Medieval Lands database, though he states that Gilbert's father was unknown. Others give his father's name as Hugh Talbot.
  
  However, in Judith Green's well-researched article "Aristocratic Women in Early Twelfth Century England," pubblished pp. 59-82 in Anglo-Norman Political Culture and the Twelfth-century Renaissance (Woodbridge: Boydell Press, 1997) edited by Charles Warren Hollister, "The theory that Gilbert de Lacy was a grandson of Walter by a daughter Emma was dismissed by Wightman, The Lacy Family [in England and Normandy, 1066-1191 [Oxford 1966], p. 169; cf. Cronne, Reign of Stephen, pp. 157, 161." Green's account agrees with the Wikipedia version that Gilbert's father had lost his lands after the revolt of 1095.
  http://www.geni.com/people/Gilbert-de-Lacy-3rd-Baron-Lacy/6000000001531200950
  
  === This feudal lord, in the conflict betwe ===
  This feudal lord, in the conflict between Stephen of Blois and the Empress Maud, over the successor of Henry I, espoused the cause of the latter. He eventually became a Knight Templar, and was succeeded by his son, Hugh.
  
  === Some backgroung information concerning the family of Walter de Lacy, Lord of Weobley ===
  There appears to be much confusion and, in some case, total speculation when it comes to the family of Walter de Lacy, Lord of Weobley. That he accompanied William the Conqueror to England in 1066 is confirmed in many older records [See document titled Lacy Family Pedigree in Burke’s Dormant, Abeyant, Forfeited and Extinct Peerages (Burke’s Peerages) in the Memories section; also see the document titled Lacy Family Pedigree in the Battle Abbey Roll in the Memories section; see also the document titled Walter de Lacy in The History of the Princes, the Lords Marcher and the Ancient Nobility of Powys Fagod (History of the Princes) in the Memories section; and see the documents for Walter de Lacy in Archaelogia Cambrensis in the Memories section]. Walter de Lacy was also in the company of Ilbert de Lacy accompanying William the Conqueror, but the records do not agree on what the relationship was between Walter and Ilbert. Some record suggest they were brothers, i.e., the Battle Abbey Roll and Archaelogia Cambrensis, but Burke’s Peerages suggests the relationship between the two cannot be ascertained. That Ilbert became the Lord of Pontefract and Walter became the Lord of Weobley appears to be beyond dispute.
  
  There is also considerable confusion regarding the spouse of Walter de Lacy, in large measure because none of the above-mentioned records name his spouse. Some private records suggest his spouse was Ermaline de Breteuil, which appears to be nothing more than wishful thinking and which is physically impossible. Ermaline de Breteuil was reportedly born about 1010 with Walter being born about 1042, making Ermaline more than thirty years older than Walter. It is highly unlikely they would have been a couple and Ermaline could not possibly have been the mother of Walter’s children, the first of whom, Roger de Lacy, was born about 1065 when Ermaline would have been in her mid-fifties.
  
  Other private records suggest Walter’s spouse was Emmeline de Ballon, but that again is nothing more than wishful thinking and physically impossible. Emmeline de Ballon was also reportedly born about 1010 and like Ermaline de Breteuil was much too old to be the wife of Walter or the mother of his children.
  
  Still other private records suggest Walter’s spouse was Emma FitzOsbern, but if she was a spouse of Walter’s, which is unlikely, she is much too young to be the mother of his children. Emma FitzOsbern was reportedly born about 1059 and would have been only six years of age when Walter’s first son, Roger de Lacy, was born.
  
  Some additional private records suggest Walter’s wife was Emmeline de Saer (Emmeline of Saer). While there may possibly have been a place called Saer in the 10th and 11th centuries, it is not a place that can currently be identified. So, there is no documentary proof for the existence of Emmeline de Saer. However, she reportedly was born about 1047 and was from Normandy, France, so someone by that name may have existed. She just cannot be documented currently, except the name appears in a footnote in the Antiquities of Shropshire [See document titled Barony of Lacy in the Memories section]. It appears that virtually all records agree that Walter’s wife was named Emma or Emmeline [See the document titled Walter de Lacy in Wikipedia in the Memories section]. Emmeline de Saer is of the right age, the right time, and the right place to be the spouse of Walter de Lacy, and lacking any proof of another possible spouse for Walter, she appears to be the best choice for Walter’s wife.
  
  Coming to England with William the Conqueror, one might expect to find Walter de Lacy in the Domesday Book, but he is not found there. That is easily explainable. Walter de Lacy died in 1084/1085 (the records cited above do not agree on the year, but all the records agree that he died by falling from a ladder), and the Domesday Book was not begun until 1086/1087, after Walter’s death. Walter’s son, Roger de Lacy, is found in the Domesday Book as the Tenant-in-chief of some 157 manors or estates, which as son and heir he had inherited. Unfortunately for Roger de Lacy, he rebelled against King William II (William Rufus), son of William the Conqueror, and was banished from England, losing the many properties in England that his father had been given by the Conqueror. However, his brother Hugh de Lacy remained in England [See document titled Barony of Lacy in the Memories section].
  
  The next person in the pedigree line of Walter de Lacy is his grandson, Gilbert de Lacy. The records do not always agree on the parentage of Gilbert de Lacy. Some records report Gilbert de Lacy is the son of Roger de Lacy [See the document titled Roger de Lacy in Wikipedia in the Memories section, which is likely in error, and see the document titled Gilbert de Lacy in Wikipedia in the Memories section, also likely in error], but most records report Gilbert de Lacy was the nephew of Roger de Lacy and was the son of one of Roger’s sisters, a daughter of Walter de Lacy. Giving credence to Gilbert de Lacy not being the son of Roger de Lacy is the fact that most records report he assumed the name Lacy. If he had been the son of Roger de Lacy, his surname would have been Lacy and he would not have assumed the name. If he was the son of a sister of Roger de Lacy, Gilbert’s surname would have been his father’s surname and, thus, he would have had to change his name, assuming the surname of Lacy. Burke’s Peerages gives Gilbert’s mother the name of Emme (Emma), and the Lacy pedigree in Archaelogia Cambrensis names Gilbert’s mother as Rohesia or Emma. British History Online also reports that Gilbert was the son of Emma [See document titled Roger de Lacy in British History Online in the Memories section] and the Lacy Pedigree in the Antiquities of Shropshire confirms Gilbert’s mother was Emma, daughter of Walter de Lacy [See Lacy Pedigree in the Antiquities of Shropshire in the Memories section]. One thing the records all appear to agree on is that Gilbert de Lacy became a Knight Templar and traveled to the Holy Land.
  
  There also exist some discrepancies in the identity of the next generation of the line of Walter de Lacy. Most records report the next generation as Hugh de Lacy, but there is disagreement as to whether Hugh de Lacy is the son of Gilbert de Lacy or if he is Gilbert’s brother. The Lacy pedigree in Archaelogia Cambrensis shows Hugh as the son of Gilbert as does the pedigree in the Antiquities of Shropshire, but Burke’s Peerages reports Hugh as either the brother or son of Gilbert and the Battle Abbey Roll reports Hugh as the son of Gilbert. It appears Hugh is most likely the son of Gilbert.
  
  Hugh de Lacy reportedly had four sons, two of whom, Hugh and Walter, became very well known, Hugh de Lacy as Earl of Ulster and Walter de Lacy as Lord of Meath and Ludlow.
  
  === Knight Templar , Crusader, ===
  Knight Templar , Crusader,
  4th Baron Lacy, Lord Of Lacy
  Served the courts of both King Stephen and Empress Matilda.
  
  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gilbert_de_Lacy
  
  === Gilbert, upon succeeding his uncle, assu ===
  Gilbert, upon succeeding his uncle, assumed the surname of Laci. This feudal lord, in the conflict between Stephen and the Empress, espoused the cause of the latter. He eventually became a knight Templar, and was s. by (whether son or brother not known) Hugh de Laci. [Bernard Burke, Dormant and Extinct Peerages, Burke's Peerage, Ltd, London, 1883, p. 310, Lacy, Earls of Lincoln]
  
  _______________________
  
  Gilbert de Lacy (fl 1150), fourth baron Lacy, was son of Emma, daughter of Walter de Lacy, first baron. His father's name is not known. After the death of his uncle, Hugh de Lacy, the family estates were taken into the royal hands, but Gilbert assumed the name of Lacy. In the reign of Stephen he at first supported the Empress Matilda, in whose behalf he attempted to capture Bath in 1138. but by 1146 he had gone over to the king, perhamps because the empress kept Joce de Dinan in possession of Ludlow Castle. So far as there is any truth in the early part of the 'Romance of Fulk Fitzwarine,' Gilbert, and not his grandson Walter, must be the hero. That Joce and Gilbert were opponents is an historical fact. Gilbert appears to have obtained the favour of Henry II, and recovered his uncle's lands; in 1158 he was excused the 'donim' to the king. A little later he joined the knights of the Temple, and went to the Holy Land. There he became preceptor of his order in the county of Tripoli, in which capacity he engaged in Geoffrey of Angouleme's successful expedition against Noureddin in 1163. He gave the templars twelve hides of land; and one virgate in Guttinges, and also five burgages in Winchcombe. He is described as a prudent man and skilful soldier. [Dictionary of National Biography XI:375-6]

• m. ABT 1125 in Herefordshire, England
• m. 1124 in Ewyas Lacy, Herefordshire, England

1. Hugh de Lacy, b. 1125 in Ewyas Lacy, Herefordshire, England     d. 25 JUL 1186 in Durrow, County Westmeath, Ireland

1. Title: The Windrush Valley By Mark Child
   Author: Under section Temple Guiting
   Publication: Name: https://books.google.com/books?id=15CIAwAAQBAJ&pg=PT34&lpg=PT34&dq=gilbert+de+lacy+knights+templar&source=bl&ots=f2V2F6gFNo&sig=T56uaiMswVJGwTUzLwpal59e3wk&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwiByLethuXKAhVW12MKHW61DkE4ChDoAQgtMAQ#v=onepage&q=gilbert%20de%20lacy%20knights%20templar&f=false;
   
2. Title: The History of the Knights Templar, by Charles G. Addison, [1842], at sacred-texts.com
   Author: Chapter 3, starting on page 46 etc...
   Publication: Name: http://www.sacred-texts.com/sro/hkt/hkt05.htm;
   Note: The Templars continued to be the foremost in every encounter with the Mussulmen, and the Monkish writers exult in the number of infidels they sent to hell. A proportionate number of the fraternity must at the same time have ascended to heaven, for the slaughter amongst them was terrific. On Tuesday, June 19, A.D. 1156, they were drawn into an ambuscade whilst marching with Baldwin, king of Jerusalem, near Tiberias, three hundred of the brethren were slain on the field of battle, and eighty-seven fell into the hands of the enemy, among whom was Bertrand de Blanquefort himself, and Brother Odo, marshal of the kingdom. † Shortly afterwards, thirty Knights Templars put to flight, slaughtered, and captured, two hundred infidels; ‡ and in a night attack on the camp of Noureddin, they compelled that famous chieftain to fly, without arms and half-naked, from the field of battle. In this last affair the names of Robert Mansel, an Englishman, and Gilbert de Lacy, preceptor of the. Temple of Tripoli, are honourably mentioned. § The services of the Templars were gratefully acknowledged in Europe, and the Pope, in a letter written in their behalf to the Archbishop of Rheims, his legate in France, characterizes them as "New Maccabees, far famed and most valiant champions of the Lord." "The assistance," says the Pope, "by those holy warriors to all Christendom, their zeal and valour, and untiring exertions in defending from the persecution and subtilty of the filthy Pagans, those sacred places which have been enlightened by the corporal presence of our Saviour, we doubt not have been spread abroad throughout the world, and are known, not only to the neighbouring nations, but to all those who dwell at the remotest corners of the earth." The holy pontiff exhorts the archbishop to procure for them all the succour possible, both in men and horses, and to exert himself in their favour among all his suffragan bishops. *
   
3. Title: Walter de Lacy in Archaelogia Cambrensis, Third Series No. LVII January 1869, pg. 46 [See Pedigree in the Memories section]
   Author: Archaelogia Cambrensis, Third Series No. LVII January 1869, pg. 46
   Note: Walter de Lacy in Archaelogia Cambrensis, Third Series No. LVII January 1869, pg. 46 [See Pedigree in the Memories section]
   Page: Walter de Lacy in Archaelogia Cambrensis, Third Series No. LVII January 1869, pg. 46 [See Pedigree in the Memories section]
   
4. Title: Lacy Family in the Battle Abbey Roll, Vol. 2, pgs. 176-178 [See document in the Memories section]
   Author: Battle Abbey Roll, Vol. 2, pgs. 176-178
   Note: Lacy Family in the Battle Abbey Roll, Vol. 2, pgs. 176-178 [See document in the Memories section]
   Page: Lacy Family in the Battle Abbey Roll, Vol. 2, pgs. 176-178 [See document in the Memories section]
   
5. Title: Lacy Pedigree in the Antiquities of Shropshire, Vol. 5, pg. 240 [See document in the Memories section]
   Author: Antiquities of Shropshire, Vol. 5, pg. 240
   Note: Lacy Pedigree in the Antiquities of Shropshire, Vol. 5, pg. 240 [See document in the Memories section]
   Page: Lacy Pedigree in the Antiquities of Shropshire, Vol. 5, pg. 240 [See document in the Memories section]
   
6. Title: Notes on the Family of De Lacy in Ireland
   Author: Nicholas J. Synnott The Journal of the Royal Society of Antiquaries of Ireland Sixth Series, Vol. 9, No. 2 (Dec. 31, 1919), pp. 113-131 Published by: Royal Society of Antiquaries of Ireland Stable URL: http://www.jstor.org/stable/25514534 Page Count: 24
   Publication: Name: http://www.jstor.org/stable/25514534?seq=7#page_scan_tab_contents;
   Note: PAGE 119: The fourth Baron was Gilbert, THE son of Emma, and therefore NEPHEW of Hugh, the third Baron. THE NAME OF EMMA'S HUSBAND IS UNKNOWN...
   
7. Title: Lacy Family Pedigree in Burke's Dormant, Abeyant, Forfeited and Extinct Peerages, pgs. 309-310 [See document in the Memories section]
   Author: Burke's Dormant, Abeyant, Forfeited and Extinct Peerages, pgs. 309-310
   Note: Lacy Family Pedigree in Burke's Dormant, Abeyant, Forfeited and Extinct Peerages, pgs. 309-310 [See document in the Memories section]
   Page: Lacy Family Pedigree in Burke's Dormant, Abeyant, Forfeited and Extinct Peerages, pgs. 309-310 [See document in the Memories section]
   
8. Title: Gilbert de Lacy - Alternative Birth Date
   Publication: Name: https://www.geni.com/people/Gilbert-de-Lacy-3rd-Baron-Lacy/6000000001531200950;
   
9. Title: Wikipedia on Gilbert de Lacy
   Publication: Name: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gilbert_de_Lacy;
   
10. Title: The Foundation for Medieval Genealogy about Gilbert de Lacy
    Publication: Name: https://fmg.ac/Projects/MedLands/enguntlo.htm#_Toc25491888;
    Note: GILBERT de Lacy, son of --- (-[May 1160/1163]). A list of fiefs of Bayeux church, dated to [1133], records “feodum de Lacey in Campellis” held by “duorum militum...Guilleberti et Henrici”[72]. The following charter suggests that Gilbert at first supported King Stephen after the death of Henry I: "...Gilberti de Lacy baronis..." witnessed the charter dated Easter 1136 under which King Stephen granted property to Winchester Cathedral[73]. However, Eyton highlights another charter at the same time with a similar witness list which includes “Ilbert de Lacy baron” (presumably the charter dated Easter 1136 for Bath abbey[74]), and suggests that the former document represents a transcription error[75]. It should be noted that Ilbert is named in numerous documents of King Stephen around the same time. Gilbert’s support for Empress Matilda’s claim to the throne in England is indicated by two documents: firstly, the Gesta Stephani Regis records that "Galfridus…Taleboth cognatus…Gislebertus de Laceio" was captured by King Stephen’s forces, dated to [1139/40][76], and secondly "...Gisleberto de Lasceio" witnessed the charter dated 25 Jul 1141 under which Empress Matilda created Miles Earl of Hereford[77]. Some time afterwards, Gilbert switched sides and supported King Stephen: "Robertus regis filius Gloecestriæ consul" notified an agreement with the bishop of Bayeux relating to fiefs claimed by the latter, including “tota feoda Ilberti et Gilberti de Laceio...apud Laceium et apud Campels”, which were held “de Baiocensi ecclesia et de episcopo”, by charter dated Sep 1146[78]. Rivalry between Gilbert de Lacy and the heirs of his [presumed cousin] Sibylla de Lacy (see above) concerning the succession to the Lacy estates in England is indicated by an agreement dated to [1147/49] between Roger Earl of Hereford (husband of the older daughter of Sibylla de Lacy, see above, and Matilda’s supporter) and William Earl of Gloucester to combine forces against Gilbert de Lacy[79]. Presumably following some activity implementing this agreement, Gilbert de Lacy complained to Gilbert Foliot Bishop of Hereford that the Earl of Hereford had captured one of his knights “Ricardum...Britonem” and was holding him to ransom[80]. "Gilbertus de Laci et Robertus filius eius" confirmed the donation of a tenement in Droitwich to the monks of Worcester Cathedral priory by charter dated to [1150][81]. After King Stephen made peace with the future King Henry II, Gilbert joined the latter: "...Gisl[eberto] de Laceio..." witnessed the charter dated to [1153/Apr 1154] under which Henry Duke of Normandy confirmed the foundation of Biddlesden abbey[82], and "...Gilbertus de Lacy..." witnessed the charter dated 1154 under which Duke Henry confirmed Stanton Harcourt to “Milicenti uxori Ricardi de Camvilla”[83]. The 1157 Pipe Roll records "Gillto de Lasci" pardoned for sums in Herefordshire, Gloucestershire and Shropshire[84]. He became a Knight Templar between 1157 and May 1160: "…Willelmo Pavet magistro Templi et fratribus...Gilberto de Laceio…" subscribed the charter dated May 1160 which records a treaty between Louis VII King of France and King Henry II[85]. A listing of Templar properties dated 1185 includes land “apud Guttingres…Holeford” donated by "Gileberti de Laci"[86]. Eyton conjectures that Gilbert de Lacy died, or at least retired from the world, between 1158 and 1163[87]. The mention in the 1159/60 Pipe Roll of his son Robert suggests that Gilbert had already relinquished his estates in his son’s favour. m ---. The name of Gilbert’s wife is not known. Gilbert & his wife had [three] children: 1. ROBERT de Lacy (-[1160/62]). 2. HUGH de Lacy (-killed 25 Jul 1185) 3. WALTER de Lacy
    
11. Title: Barony of Lacy in the Antiquities of Shropshire, Vol. 5, pg. 238-239 [See document in the Memories section]
    Author: Antiquities of Shropshire, Vol. 5, pg. 238-239
    Note: Barony of Lacy in the Antiquities of Shropshire, Vol. 5, pg. 238-239 [See document in the Memories section]
    Page: Barony of Lacy in the Antiquities of Shropshire, Vol. 5, pg. 238-239 [See document in the Memories section]
    
12. Title: Foundation for Medieval Genealogy -the problem with the parentage of Gilbert de Lacy
    Publication: Name: https://fmg.ac/Projects/MedLands/enguntlo.htm#_Toc25491888;
    Note: The problem of ascertaining the precise parentage of Gilbert de Lacy is complex. It appears, as noted above, that Gilbert can be identified with the unnamed Templar “nepos” of Hugh de Lacy who is recorded in the History of Lanthony abbey. Assuming that “nepos” can be interpreted as nephew, Gilbert was the son of one of Hugh’s siblings. A manuscript which narrates the descents of the founders of Lanthony Abbey names “Gilbertus de Lacy” as son of Emma (supposed daughter of Walter de Lacy, see above) and her unnamed husband[69]. As noted earlier, Wightman highlights that this is a 16th century document of dubious validity and that no earlier charter evidence corroborates Emma’s existence let alone Gilbert’s parentage[70]. He highlights that Gilbert succeeded in regaining the “vast majority of the Lacy estates” held in England by this branch of the family, suggesting that his right was therefore superior to the branch’s descendants through the female line, and concludes that “that would make him a son either of Roger de Lacy or of Hugh” [71]. Wightman prefers Roger to Hugh, considering the probable co-identity of Gilbert with Hugh’s unnamed Templar “nepos”. Wightman’s theory appears supported by Gilbert holding a share of the family’s Normandy fiefs in [1133], but Gilbert’s acquisition of the English estates was piecemeal, starting many years after he is first recorded in England, and does not appear to have been based on prior right by heredity. Concerning the Norman lands, one difficulty is determining how Gilbert acquired his share. As seen earlier, Roger’s English fiefs, confiscated by King William II, passed to his younger brother Hugh. Roger settled in Normandy, where he led Duke Robert’s army and presumably held part of the family fiefs until Duke Robert was defeated by King Henry I at Tinchebrai in 1106. After King Henry assumed control of the duchy, his well-known vindictiveness towards his enemies suggests that Roger’s share of the Norman fiefs would have been transferred elsewhere. King Henry’s continuing enmity towards Roger is demonstrated by the king’s donation of property held by "Walterus de Lacy et Rogerus et Hugo filii eius" to St Guthlac’s, Hereford by charter dated to [1107/22] as noted earlier, which also suggests that the king’s relations with Roger’s brother Hugh were no better. All this would suggest that Gilbert would not automatically have been permitted to inherit the estates if he had been Roger’s son. The dating of Gilbert’s acquisition of the family’s Norman fiefs cannot be ascertained, but it presumably occurred some time in King Henry’s later years. Some moderation in the king’s treatment of the family is shown by the marriage of Sibylla de Lacy to Payn FitzJohn, but no source has been found indicating the circumstances of Gilbert’s rehabilitation. The persistent rivalry between Gilbert and Sibylla’s heirs regarding the Lacy’s English estates (as indicated by the agreement dated to [1147/49] cited below) suggests that their respective claims were of similar weight, that both were therefore either male line or female line descendants of the Lacy family, and that they were cousins not brother and sister. If one was a male line, and the other a female line descendant, the descent of the former would presumably have outweighed the latter’s claim. This is consistent with Wightman’s hypothesis, but does not exclude the possibility of their being children of two of Hugh’s sisters. Given all these complexities, reaching a definitive conclusion about Gilbert’s parentage would be speculative.
    
13. Title: Wales and the Crusades: c. 1095-1291 By Kathryn Hurlock
    Publication: Name: https://books.google.com/books?id=82yuBwAAQBAJ&pg=PT161&lpg=PT161&dq=gilbert+de+lacy+knights+templar&source=bl&ots=CYTilUvIyG&sig=IwWJfzNo7LQxx8hqEqnojh_MxmU&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjvpLGeheXKAhVX2mMKHbXUC_UQ6AEIWjAM#v=onepage&q=gilbert%20de%20lacy%20knights%20templar&f=false;
    Note: More info on Gilbert...