Historical story

Who had lived in caerphilly castle?

* Gilbert de Clare, 1st Earl of Gloucester (1243-1295): Gilbert was the son of Richard de Clare, 6th Earl of Hertford, and Maud de Lacy, Countess of Gloucester. He inherited the earldom of Gloucester in 1262 and inherited Caerphilly Castle in 1268 from his uncle, William de Clare. Gilbert was a powerful baron who played a major role in the political struggles of the 13th century. He was a supporter of Simon de Montfort in the Second Barons' War and was captured at the Battle of Evesham in 1265. After the war, he reconciled with King Henry III and became a loyal supporter of the Crown. Gilbert died in 1295 and was buried in Tewkesbury Abbey.

* Gilbert de Clare, 2nd Earl of Gloucester (1291-1314): Gilbert was the son of Gilbert de Clare, 1st Earl of Gloucester, and Joan of Acre, the daughter of King Edward I. He inherited the earldom of Gloucester in 1295. Gilbert was a close friend and companion of King Edward II. He was a skilled warrior and fought in the Scottish Wars. Gilbert was killed at the Battle of Bannockburn in 1314. He was unmarried and childless, so the earldom of Gloucester passed to his sister, Eleanor.

* Eleanor de Clare, suo jure 3rd Countess of Gloucester (1292-1337): Eleanor was the daughter of Gilbert de Clare, 1st Earl of Gloucester, and Joan of Acre. She inherited the earldom of Gloucester in 1314 after the death of her brother, Gilbert. Eleanor was married to Hugh Despenser the Younger, a favorite of King Edward II. She was accused of witchcraft and heresy and was executed in 1337.

* Hugh Despenser the Younger (1286-1326): Hugh was the son of Hugh Despenser the Elder, a powerful baron who was executed in 1326. Hugh the Younger was a favorite of King Edward II and was married to Eleanor de Clare. He was accused of treason and executed in 1326.

* Edward II (1284-1327): King Edward II was the son of King Edward I and Eleanor of Castile. He was crowned King of England in 1307. Edward was a weak and ineffectual king who was dominated by his favorites, including Piers Gaveston and Hugh Despenser the Younger. He was deposed and murdered in 1327.

* Isabella of France (1295-1358): Isabella was the daughter of King Philip IV of France and Joan I of Navarre. She was married to King Edward II in 1308. Isabella was a strong-willed and ambitious woman who was dissatisfied with her husband's rule. She led a rebellion against Edward II in 1326, which resulted in his deposition and murder. Isabella was the mother of King Edward III and ruled as regent during his minority.