Oct 24th 2025: 1135, Gilbert de Lacy fighting for King Stephen to hold the English throne

By late 1135, Gilbert de Lacy was fighting to maintain King Stephen as the rightful holder of the English throne against the claims of Empress Matilda.​ Gilbert had reclaimed some of his father's estates, including Weobley Castle, but still did not hold the Barony of Lord of Weobley and Ludlow, as he failed to secure King Stephen's backing for his claim to the de Lacy titles, along with that of his cousin Geoffrey Talbot. Gilbert changed sides and championed Empress Matilda in her attempt to take the English throne; Gilbert led his forces to Hereford in 1138, and there, following a short battle with the supporters of King Stephen, he took control of the town in the name of Empress Matilda. King Stephen retaliated and sent a superior force to reclaim it. Only by besieging Hereford for several months was the army of King Stephen eventually able to take Hereford Castle. Geoffrey Talbot and Gilbert de Lacy escaped and made their way to safety at Weobley Castle. The forces of King Stephen were soon in hot pursuit. Gilbert de Lacy and Geoffrey Talbot were again under siege at Weobley. Once more, they made good their escape and headed to Bristol. They were now in an area under Matilda's forces' control. By the late 1140s, Gilbert de Lacy had recovered most of the remaining de Lacy Estates, which had been passed from his father, Roger, to his Uncle, Hugh de Lacy. But despite carrying the title of Baron, he had yet to regain the full title he coveted of Lord of Weobley. Wikipedia link to the Anarchy https://w.wiki/FF$p