Baldwin FitzGilbert

Who was Baldwin FitzGilbert?

Baldwin fitz Gilbert was a Norman nobleman, the son of Gilbert, Count of Brionne who, along with his brother Richard fitz Gilbert, accompanied William, Duke of Normandy and participated in the conquest of England in 1066. He was also known as Baldwin de Meules et du Sap, Baldwin of Exeter and Baldwin the Sheriff. Baldwin was granted 164 manors in Devon, south-west England. He was originally from Meulles, Calvados in Normandy.

In 1067 William the Conqueror made him castellan of the newly built Rougemont Castle in Exeter, granted him the feudal barony of Okehampton, Devon, and appointed him High Sheriff of Devonshire, which position he held until his death. He built Okehampton Castle.