Baldwin of Clare

On the death of Henry, Richard, the eldest brother of Baldwin, was slain, and his lands were harried by Morgan ap Owen.

King Stephen gave Baldwin a large sum of money to enable him to hire troops for the relief of the lands of his house.

When, in 1141, Stephen's army was drawn up before the battle of Lincoln, the king, because his own voice was weak, deputed Baldwin to make a speech to the host.

The Arundel MS. of the History of Henry of Huntingdon (twelfth or thirteenth century) contains an outline drawing of Baldwin addressing the royal army in the presence of the king.

In this speech he set forth the goodness of the cause of Stephen and the evil character of his enemies, reviling Robert, Earl of Gloucester, as having the heart of a hare.

A medieval manuscript and ink picture of King Stephen at the Battle of Lincoln
Near-contemporary illustration of the battle of Lincoln ; King Stephen (fourth from the right) is listening to Baldwin of Clare orating a battle speech (left).