NameGerald De Windsor, 28G Grandfather
Birthabt 1075
Death1135
Spouses
Birthabt 1085
Deathbef 1136
Notes for Gerald De Windsor
Also known as Gerald FitzWalter of Windsor.
First castellan of Pembroke Castle in Dyfed, Wales.
In 1096 there was a general uprising in Wales against the Normans. Fortress after fortress fell, however Pembroke held out. (The following quote is from Wikipedia but I’m not sure of the source.)
"When they had hardly any provisions left, Gerald, who, as I have said, was a cunning man, created the impression that they were still well supplied and were expecting reinforcement at any moment. He took four hogs, which was about all they had, cut them into sections, and hurled them off over the palisades at the besiegers.
The following day he thought of an even more ingenious strategism. He signed a letter with his own seal and had it placed just outside the lodgings of Wilfred, Bishop of St David's, who chanced to be in the neighbourhood. There it would be picked up almost immediately and the finder would imagine that it had been dropped accidentally by one of Gerald's messengers. The purport of the letter was that Gerald would have no need of reinforcements from Arnulf for a good four months. When this despatch was read to the Welsh, they immediately abandoned the siege and went off home."
Notes for Nest Ferch Rhys (Spouse 1)
Popularly called Nesta or Princess Nesta.
She was brought as a prize Hostage to the court of William Rufus (King William II) where she came to the attention of his younger brother Henry Beauclerc (future King Henry I) and bore him several illegitimate children.
Later she married Gerald and bore him at least 5 children.
After Gerald’s death she was married to her husbands constable of Cardigan, Stephen. She had 1 or 2 sons by him.