Fitzhamon, Robert

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Fitzhamon, Robert (d. 1107). Fitzhamon was one of the leading Norman colonizers of south Wales. He seems to have moved from his holdings in Gloucester to carve out a marcher lordship in Glamorgan, beginning the building of Cardiff castle in 1080. He was generous in his benefactions to Tewkesbury and Gloucester abbeys at the expense of his conquered territories. Fitzhamon was with Rufus in the New Forest when he was killed and gave strong support to Henry I in his struggle for the succession. Fighting in Normandy on his behalf against Robert of Gloucester, he was captured in 1105 but rescued by the king. At the siege of Falaise he was wounded and on his death in 1107 was buried at Tewkesbury. His daughter married an illegitimate son of Henry I, who created him Robert, earl of Gloucester.

J. A. Cannon

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