Gilbert Talbot

1st Baron Talbot

Gilbert Talbot was an English Nobleman and the first to hold the title of Baron Talbot. He was also an ancestor of the Earls of Shrewsbury.

Gilbert Talbot was born on October 18th, 1276. He was the son of Richard Talbot, Lord of Eccleswall and Sheriff of Gloucestershire, and Sarah Beauchamp, daughter of William de Beauchamp, Sheriff of Worcestershire. The Talbots were part of the Hereford gentry after obtaining grants of land from King Henry II. They also had blood ties to the Welsh elite through Richard Talbot's mother, Gwenllian, a daughter of the Welsh Prince Rhys Mechyll.

In 1306, Gilbert Talbot succeeded his father in his estates; he was said to be about 29 years old. Gilbert married Anne Boteler. Daughter of William Boteler. Gilbert and Anne had two children, Joan Talbot and Richard Talbot.

During the reign of Edward II, Talbot aligned himself with the enemies of two of the King's favorites, Piers Gaveston and Hugh Despenser. He was implicated in the murder of Piers Gaveston but was later pardoned. He was appointed to govern Gloucester Castle in 1317.

Gilbert Talbot joined Thomas of Lancaster in the baronial revolt against Hugh Despenser. He was captured during the Battle of Boroughbridge on March 16th, 1322, and was heavily fined when the revolt failed, including having to surrender the governorship of Gloucester Castle to Despenser. When Edward III became King, the fines against Talbot were reversed.

In 1328, Talbot was appointed Lord Chamberlain and in 1330 Justice of South Wales. On June 5th, 1331, he was summoned to Parliament and established by writ as 1st Baron Talbot.

On February 24th, 1346, Gilbert Talbot died in Eccleswall and was succeeded by his son Richard Talbot, 2nd Baron Talbot. Gilbert was buried at Eccleswall Castle.