Gilbert, Count of Gravina

Gilbert was a Hispano-Norman nobleman who was Count of Gravina from around 1159 and, during the regency of Margaret of Navarre, also count of Loritello and royal master captain or great constable in Apulia and the Terra di Lavoro until his exile in 1168. His father Bertram was the illegitimate son of Count Rotrou II of Perche. Gilbert held the mainland for the king during the final stages of the revolt.

Gilbert took advantage of the death of William in 1166 to pressure his cousin, the regent, into giving him a higher position at court. According to Hugo Falcandus, Gilbert wanted to be appointed "master captain of the whole kingdom" and to direct the business of the curia immediately after the queen. The barons and the nobles who held estates or feuda reportedly preferred Gilbert at the head of the court, while the salaried knights and Richard of Mandra favoured the caïd Peter. At a council in Messina, Henry of Montescaglioso was accused by Gilbert of conspiring against the chancellor. Evidence of a confession was duly provided and the Navarrese count was imprisoned in Reggio Calabria. Gilbert did not stand alone in his effort to ruin Richard of Mandra: Bohemond II of Tarsia and Robert of Caserta also testified against the count of Molise.

Messina revolted and freed the imprisoned Count Henry. The insurrection spread and the people of Palermo forced the removal of Stephen du Perche. This accomplished, an interim council was set up to assist the regent. Under the new administration imposed by Henry of Montescaglioso and Richard of Mandra, Gilbert's dominance came to an end. By then he was count of Gravina and Loritello, while his son Bertram was count of Andria. Gilbert retreated with his wife to a fortress, but most of the knights of the mainland deserted him when the curia's order was transmitted through the peninsular military structure. He eventually submitted himself and his goods to Richard of Fondi on terms allowing him to cross to the Syrian lands with his wife and children.