Fitzreinfrid, Gilbert

  General Notes:

Gilbert FitzReinfrid was born circa 1162.3 He married Hawise de Lancaster, daughter of William II de Lancaster and Hawise de Stuteville, on 20 July 1189 in Rouen.2,3 Gilbert died before 5 May 1220.3

Gilbert was also known as Gilbert de Lancaster.

Gilbert was Steward of the King's household in the last year of Henry II and the first year of Richard I. Henry II gave him Hawise (Helewise), the only daughter and heir of William de Lancaster,in marriage and thereby made him Baron of Kendal, Warton and Nether Wyresdale. After the marriage Gilbert assumed the de Lancaster name.2

1184–95 Gilbert son of Roger Fitz-Reinfrid confirms to Thomas son of Gospatrick his lands of Kendale, namely Holm, Preston and Hoton, to hold by the service of the 4th part of a knight's fee forwhich he and his heirs shall be quit of 43s. for cornage. Witnesses: Roger Fitz-Reinfrid, Hugh de Morvill, Reinfrid de Bhueria, Gilbert de Lancastre, Gervase de Aencurt, Robert de Bethum, Uctred son of Osolph, Roger de Bello Campo, Geoffrey de Preston and others.4

1184-89, Notification by Henry II, addressed to our dear son Richard, comte de Poitiers, of his grant to Gilbert son of Roger FitzReinfrid, our sewer, of the daughter of William de Lancaster with her whole inheritance. Witnesses were Geoffrey our son and chancellor, William Marshal, Richard de Humet.4

Richard I confirmed this marriage and, on 15 April 1190, by three charters granted practically the whole of southern Westmorland to Gilbert, together with acquittance of the noutgeld, suits of shires, etc. due to northern Westmorland. By these grants on the same date Gilbert fitz Roger fitz Reinfrid was endowed with full baronial status throughout Kentdale and the outlying members, inclulding the manor of Morland and a considerable part of Barton. His service to the crown for the same being definitely fixed at the service of two knights.2

1189 Richard I granted him the forests of Westmorland, Kendal, and Furness, to hold to him and his heirs, "as fully and freely as Wm. De Lancastre and Nigel de Albiny had held the same." He had another grant from Richard of lands in "Levenes, Farleton, Detene, Preston, Holme, Berton, Hencastre, and Loopeton, with the fishery belonging to the said lands, and all other liberties and privileges." In a confirmation of charters made by Ivo de Taillbois, Gilbert called Ivo his "ancestor." This may only have been a reference to prior lords of this barony.2

1189, Richard I grants to Gilbert son of Richard Fitz-Reinfrid Inter alia one carucate in Hennecastre; Farrer, Lancas. Pipe R., 400.4

1189, Richard I grants to Gilbert son of Roger Fitz-Reinfrid inter alia three carucates of land in Loppeton; Farrer, Lancs. Pipe R., 400.4

1190, Richard I grants to Gilbert son of Roger FitzReinfrid, acquittance in his land in Westmeriland and Kendale of nutegeld, namely £14 6s. 3d. for the service of 1 knight. For this Gilbert gave to the king 60 m. Richard I granted to the same Roger that he should hold his forest of Westmerieland, Kendale and Furness as William de Lancaster, son of Gilbert, held it, and the forest in Kendalewhich the grantor gave Gilbert with £6 of land, to hold as fully as Nigel le Albini held it. Richard I grants to the same Gilbert 1 carucate in Levenes with the fishery of the vill., 4 c. in Farletonand Bethum, 4 c. in Preston and Holme, 2 c. in Burton, 1 c. in Hennecastre, 1 c. in Lupton and a fishery belonging to the said lands, for £100 which Gilbert gave; to hold by the service of 1 knight'sfee.4

At Easter in 1190, Gilbert FitzReinfrid obtains aquittance of noutgeld and customs on his land which is accounted in the farm of Westmorland at £14 6s. 4d. yearly; also a grant from Richard I oflands in Kendale, valued in the farm of Westmorland at £8 18s. 2d. yearly; also the grant of a fishery of Kendale, valued in the said farm at £5 yearly.4

1190-1200, Gilbert son of Roger Fitz-Reinfred confirms to Gervase de Aincurt the land which William de Lancastre, father of Helewise, the grantor's wife, gave to him, namely Nataland, Bothelford, Sisrahelheres, Winderes and the other Winderes, the moiety of Sockebret which Waldef held, and the third part of Louther; also Hagethorpe which the said William pledged to Gervase for 50s. worth of land; to hold for ¾ knight's fee; with licence to make a mill on the water course by the gallows of Kirkeby between Kirkeby and Natalaund, Witnesses: Henry [de Redeman] the seneschal, Robert de Soukey(Sinking" in MS.), James de Flaund', Gilbert de Lancastre, Adam dean of Lonsdale, Thomas son of Gospatric, Robert de Bethom, Roger de Burton, Gamel the regarder (i.e. forester); Reg. of D. at Levens,ii, f. 62. By another charter the said Gilbert granted to the same Gervase acquittance of noutgeld of his daid lands of Westmerland and Kendale, which he holdes for ¾ kinight's fee. For this Gervase gave Gilbert 20. Witness: Roger Fits Reinfrid; ib., f. 81.CIT:]2382;'Helsington and Sizergh', Records relating to the Barony of Kendale: volume 1 (1923) pp. 130-66[:CIT]

1189, Richard I grants to Gilbert son of Roger FitzReinfrid for 20 marks a weekly market on Saturday at Kyrkebi in Kendale, date 9th December, 1 Richard.4

Before 1199 Gilbert FitzReidfrid confirmed to Roger, son of Augustine de Heaton, a grant of land in Torver which had been made by William II de Lancaster to Augustine de Heaton.5

1190-1210, Gilbert FitzReinfrid and Helewise his wife grant to St. Mary's, York, 6 stags yearly for the infirmary. Witnesses were Gregory canon of York, Adam de Bethum and others. Gilbert and his wife also confirmed to the church of the Holy Trinity of Kirkeby in Kendale the land which William de Lancaster, the younger, had gave and also confirmed to the monks of St. Mary's, York, inter aliathe church of Kirkeby in Kendale; Nicholas (parson) of Kirkeby in Kendale being one of the witnesses.4

1186-1200, Gilbert son of Roger Fitz-Reinfrid grants to Henry de Alneto all Coneswic by these bounds: as the way descends Scarthulfe to Little Ranthworth and ascending to the bounds of Stirkeland and by those bounds to the rock and to Scarthulfe; also the donor gives to Henry the moiety of Tranthawit by these bounds; as the watercourse of Rowthworth flows into the watercourse of Tranthwait and by the descent of Rowthworth ascending to the watercourse of Landhost and by the same to the midst of Landhost and thence across to the watercourse of Tranthwaite and descending to the first named watercourse; to hold for 1 lb. of cummin with acquittance of multure at the grantor's mill of Kirkeby in Kendale. Witnesses: Richard de marisco, Henry de Redeman, the donor's sensechal, Gervase de Anecurt, Anselm de Stainton, Richard de Stainton, Lambert de Brussel, Roger de Lancastre, Gilbert de Lancastre, Ralph de Anecurt, Thomas the tailor; Reg. of D. at Levens, II, f. 247. See Appendix xxviii.4

The acquittance of the noutegeld of the land of Gilbert FitzReinfrid ceased, so far as the account of the sheriff was concerned, at Easter, 1194, and the grant of £8 18s. 2d. of land in Kendale,and the fishery £5, also ceased at the same date.4

An agreement was made in 1196 by which Ulverston and the western moiety of the Fells were confirmed by the monks to Gilbert FitzReinfrid and his wife Helewise, the heiress of William de Lancaster, at rents of 10s. and 20s. respectively. Gilbert and Helewise renounced all claim to Newby in Yorkshire and to hunting rights in the eastern moiety of the Fells; they also promised the monks a free passage through Ulverston and Crakeslith to the Crake fishery and the land beyond.5

In 1196 Witherslack was probably a member of the demesne lands of the barony of Kendale for by a fine levied that year in the king's court between Gilbert son of Roger Fitz-Reinfrid and "Aylewise" his wife, plaintiffs, and Henry de Redeman, tenants, respecting "Witeberge," that is Whitbarrow with the Appurtenances, the said Henry quit-claimed to them the right which he had in Witeberge, for which they gave him Selesa by the right bounds by which Cospatric de Selesat held it with other privileges and granted to Henry and his men of Levenes common of pasture of the moss between Witeberge and Levenes, to be held by Henry and his heirs by free service of 5s. yearly.4

1196, Gilbert, son of Roger Fitz-Reinfrid and Helewise his wife grant by fine to Henry de Redeman all Selesat by the bounds by which Cospatrick de Selesat held it; Feet of F. (Pipe R. Soc. xvii)141.4

1196, Witherslack was probably a member of the demense lands of the barony of Kendale for by a fine that year in the king's court between Gilbert son of Roger Fitz-Reinfrid and "Aylewise" his wife, plaintiffs, and Henry de Redeman, tenants, respecting "Witeberge," this is Whitbarrow with the appurtenances, the said Henry quit-claimed to them the right which he had held in Witeberge, for which they gave him Selesat by the right bounds by which Cospatric de Selesat held it with other privileges and granted to Henry and his men of Levenes common of pasture of the moss between Witeberge and Levenes, to be held by Henry and his heirs by the free service of 5s. yearly. Gilbert Fitz-Reinfrid probably enfeoffed his natural son, Roger de Lancaster, of Witherslack shortly before 1220. It descended to John, son of Roger de Lancaster and was held by Annora, relict of John, at the time of her death in 1338. It had been granted in 1328 to John de Cancefield, as trustee, for settlement upon Roger de Lancaster, brother of John, for life, with remainder to Michael son of Robert de Haverington.4

1197, Gilbert FitzReinfrid proffers £100 for having £6 worth of land and for having acquittance of cornage and other liberties, according to the tenour of the king's charter.4

1199 Gilbert FitzReinfrid proffers to King John £100 for the confirmation of his charters and for having gallows and pit in his fee which he holds by knight's service in co. Lancaster, and that the agreement made between him and king Richard holds good, namely for the acquittance of cornage and for holding in peace his land in Kendale, which he has by the gift of king Richard; and for this fine he is quit of £7 3s. 1d. for the Westmerieland for the 6th year of king Richard, and of £21 9s. 3d. for the 7th year, and of £14 6s. 3d. for the 8th year, and of £14 6s. 2d. for the 9th year and of £28 7s. 10d. for the past years and of £28 7s. 10d. for this year. Sum £114 0s. 5d. The same Gilbert has acquittance of scutage of 2 knight's fees.4

April 1200 King John allowed to Gilbert FitzReinfrid free court, gallows, etc., in the knight's fee he held in Lancashire, adding a market at Warton every Wednesday. The Lancasters had castles in 'Merhull' and Kendall, and the former is supposed to have been at the place in Warton later known as Mourholme. After Gilbert's rebellion and capture he surrendered it to the king in 1216, and probably the castle was then destroyed. After the death of William de Lancaster III in 1246 Warton was on partition assigned to Walter de Lindsey, and thenceforward descended in the same way as the Lindsaymoiety of Nether Wyresdale.5

1200-1209, in full court of Gilbert son of Roger FitzReinfrid at Kirkbi, before Henry de Redman, then seneschal, and other good men, Matilde de Stiveton, daughter of Ellis de Stiveton, made a release of land in co. Lancaster to the said Gilbert. Witnesses were Lambert de Bussei, Adam son of Roger (of Yealand), Gilbert de Lancaster, William de Windeshore, Roger de Burton, Williamd son of Waltheve, gamel the forester, Richard de Arten (sic), Benedict Gernet, Ralph de Stiveland, Luke (?) and John, brethren.4

1186-1201, Gilbert son of Roger Fitz-Raynfray gave to William de Arundel for his service all the land between Galwaithegate and Lon by their bounds: As Seuerhbec descends into Lon, so by Seuerbec ascending to the brook which flows from Scahegilbec, so by the brook which flows from Schaegilbec ascending to the head of scahegilbec towards Kilington, and from the head of Scahegilbec to the Winter How (Bruma hoga) above Wivescahe, thence across to Sparhaucscahe, thence across to Sparhaucscahe, thence across to Galwaithegate and by Galwaithegate unto the bounds of Lambrig, Grarig and Dilacre;to hold quit of forest for the 20th part of a knight's fee; Chartul. of Cockersand (Chetham Soc.), 976.4

1201, a jury declared that £6 worth of land in Kendale and a fishery which used to render to the Exchequer 100s. were always in the hands of Henry II and Richard I, as their demense until king Richard gave them to Gilbert FitzReinfrid.4

Sibyl late the wife of William de Arundel appeared on the 4th day against Gilbert Fitz-Reinfrid of a plea of her reasonable dower, namelly of a 20th part of a knight's fee in Dunestake; and he came not, nor did he essoin himself, although he had a day by his essoiner on Tuesday before the ascension; therefore let his land be taken into the King's hands and let him be summoned to Westministerin a month after Whitsunday to answer and shew cause for his dafault. Curia Regis Rolls (P.R.O.) i, 472.4

1201, Gilbert Fitz-Reinfrid on Tuesday before Whitsunday sought to replevy his land which had been taken into the king's hands for his default against Sibyl late the wife of William de Arundel; Gilbert puts in his place Gilbert de Lancastre. Curia Regis Rolls (P.R.O.) i, 436.4

1201, Sibyl de Broc relaeased for 20 marks to Gilbert Fitz-Reinfrid, tenant, by Gilbert de Lancastre his attorney, the 20th part of a fee in Duneselake, which she claimed in dower of the gift ofWilliam de Arundell, formerly her husband, saving the right of William son and heir of William de Arundell; Feet of F., file 1, n. 2.4

1204, Gilbert FitzReinfrid and his wife Hawise repurchased parts of Scotforth. These may have formed the third part of the manor named in 1319.5

1204, Gilbert Fitz-Reinfrid has the custody of the land and heir of Oliver de Aencurt; R. Litt. Pat., 45b.4

About the year 1320 it was recorded that Carnforth had anciently belonged to the parish of Bolton-le-Sands until the interdict of England (1208) when it had been transferred to that of Warton, doubtless by Gilbert FitzReinfrid the chief lord and that time an active supporter and favourite of the king.5

1209-1212, Gilbert son of Roger FitzReinfrid grants to Richard Walensis 1 c. in Munketon (co. York, which John abbot of Fountains and the convent had granted to the said Gilbert), which Walter de Fauchenberge held, to hold for 22s. and 1/18 fee. Witnesses were Lambert de Buseto, Anselm de Furneis, Stephen de Welleton, William son of Ketel, Roger de Byrkebyrle, Gilbert de Lancaster, Henry de Alnou, Richard de Coupland, Henry de Rademan, William Tuchet, William Marshall, Thomas Flandrensys Walter Pychard, Richard de Preston, Walter de Lancaster and Roger Gernet.4

1212, Gilbert FitzReinfrid and Helewise his wife demand against Thomas de Brumfeld 4 carucates of land in Brumfel and Rohetun, as the right of the said Helewise and as those whereof Ketel son ofEutret, ancestor of the said Helewise, was seised, as of fee and right, in the time of Henry, grandfather of king Henry, father of the king, and from him the right of the said Helewise descended fromstep to step. Thomas says that Adam his son holds the Tenement.4

1212, Adam de Yseni held five plough-lands in Whittington, but had granted this portion to Gilbert FitzReinfrid while the heir of Robert son of Gillemichael held the thegnage plough-land. William son of Robert in
1219 sold 8 oxgangs of land in Lathebote to Gilbert FitzReinfrid who thus became the lord of the whole of Whittington.5

1216, The son, or daughter, and heir of Ralph de Ayencurt, is a hostage for Gilbert Fitz-Reymfrid; I; 221lb.4

Gilbert gave a charter to Aldred son of Hamlet concerning the fourth part of the vill of Forton.5

William son of Michael de Furness granted 2 oxgangs of land to Roger FitzReinfrid to be held by a rent of 32d. yearly, date unknown.5

He was said to be a favorite of King John. He was Sheriff of Lancaster in the 7th and 17th years of John's reign, and Sheriff of Yorkshire from 12 to 16 John (1209-1212). It was Gilbert who rebuilt Kendall Castle in stone.2

Gilbert became opposed to King John over Magna Carta and, after John turned the tables on his rebellious Barons, had his son William, taken hostage, and lost his titles, his castle at Kendal andthe Honor of Lancaster in 1215. Peter de Brus was also opposed to John and was a supporter of the invasion by Louis of France. Fitz Reinfrid recovered Royal favor, and the release of this son, throughpayment of a find of 12,000 marks, an enormous sum.2

1216, there are letters of safe-conduct for Gilbert FitzReinfrid, father of William de Lancaster, touching the redemption of the said William.4

1216, Gilbert FitzReinfrid delivered up to the king his castles of Morhull and Kirkeby, at Berewic, on 22nd January, on which occasion he made fine with the king by 12,000 marks for his goodwilland grace and the remission of his rancour against Gilbert for confederacy with the king's enemies, the barons, and that his son, William de Lancaster, and his knights, Ralph de Aencurt and Lambert deBusay, might be delivered from prison, having been taken in Rochester castle inmunition against the king; for his and his son's faithful service he was required to find hostages, namely Benedict sonand heir of Henry Redeman, the first born son of Roger de Kirkeby, whom he has of the said Gilbert's daughter, the son and heir of William de Windlesores whom he has of the niece of the said Gilbert,the son or daughter and heir of Ralph de Aencurt, the son or daughter and heir of Roger de Burton, the daughter and heir of Adam de Yeland, the son or daughter of Thomas de Bethum, the son or daughter and heir of Walter de Strikeland, the daughter of Richard de Copland, the son of Gilbert de Lancaster, or other children in their places. Gilbert pledges himself to the service of the king and his heirs by queen Isabel for all of his life, under pain of forfeiture of his lands, and he finds hostages and delivered up his castles of Morhull and Kirkeby.4

1217, a mandate was issued to Peter de Maulay to deliver to the Earl of Chester, William de Lancaster, a prisoner in his custody.William de Lancaster to be sent to Gloucester under safe conduct.4

On May 6, 1220, the land of Gilbert FitzReinfrid is taken into the king's hands and nothing removed therefrom until William de Lancaster, son and heir of Gilbert, does what is due to the king. Mandate to William de Lancaster to deliver to Theobald son of Theobald Walter his siter Matilda whom king John committed to Gilbert FitzReinfrid, William's father to bring up.4

Gilbert's arms: Argent two bars Gules, on a canton Gules a lion passant guardant Or (or, for William de Lancaster, (his son), Argent). These were also the arms of John de Lancaster, a Baron in 1299, and Roger de Lancaster.2

Gilbert married Helewise De Lancaster, daughter of William De Lancaster II and Helewise De Stouteville.