Born: c. 1190, England
Died: 15 July 1242, England
Early Life and Family Background
Richard de Clare was a member of the prominent Anglo-Norman de Clare family. He was the son of Gilbert de Clare, 4th Earl of Hertford (also 5th Earl of Gloucester), and Isabel Marshal, daughter of William Marshal, 1st Earl of Pembroke. The de Clare lineage held extensive lands in England and Wales, and Richard inherited substantial estates upon his father's death.
Titles and Holdings
- 3rd Earl of Hertford (succeeded 1230)
- Lord of Glamorgan (through inheritance)
- Held lordships in Herefordshire, Gloucestershire, and other counties.
Richard’s earldom placed him among the leading magnates of the English realm during the reigns of King John (1199–1216) and King Henry III (1216–1272).
Political and Military Involvement
- Barons' War (1215–1217): While some members of the de Clare family supported the rebel barons against King John, Richard’s specific actions during the conflict are not extensively documented. The family’s overall position fluctuated between royal service and baronial opposition, reflecting the complex loyalties of the period.
- Royal Service: Under King Henry III, Richard served on several royal councils and was appointed to the magna curia (great council) for matters concerning the Welsh Marches. He participated in campaigns to enforce royal authority in Wales and Ireland, though detailed records of his personal command are limited.
- Legal and Administrative Roles: Richard acted as a feudal lord, overseeing the administration of his estates, the collection of feudal dues, and the maintenance of local courts.
Marriage and Issue
- Spouse: Isabel Marshal (d. 1240), daughter of William Marshal, 1st Earl of Pembroke, and Isabel de Clare, 4th Countess of Pembroke. The marriage further consolidated the de Clare holdings and aligned the family with the Marshal inheritance.
- Children:
- Gilbert de Clare (c. 1228–1295), succeeded as 4th Earl of Hertford and 5th Earl of Gloucester; became one of the most powerful barons in England.
- Margaret de Clare (c. 1225–1292), married Sir John de Burgh; their descendants held notable positions in the Anglo-Irish nobility.
- Additional children are not recorded in surviving primary sources; records primarily focus on Gilbert as the heir.
Death and Legacy
Richard de Clare died on 15 July 1242. He was interred at the Abbey of Haughmond, Shropshire, a traditional burial site for the de Clare family. His tenure as Earl of Hertford contributed to the consolidation of de Clare authority in the Welsh Marches and reinforced the family's political significance during the early 13th century. His son Gilbert expanded the family’s influence, notably during the Second Barons' War (1264–1267).
Historical Assessment
Richard de Clare, 3rd Earl of Hertford, is documented in contemporary chronicles, royal patent rolls, and genealogical records such as The Complete Peerage and Oxford Dictionary of National Biography. While not as prominently featured as his father or son, his role as a feudal magnate and participant in the governance of the realm is well‑established in scholarly sources.
