He owned lands in both England and France, and served as Governor of Gisors during its surrender.
[1] He is best known for his role in the incredibly quick surrender of the Château de Gisors as part of the 1193 French invasion of Normandy.
Richard later repudiated the marriage to marry Berengaria of Navarre, but managed to force Phillip to allow him to keep the dowry.
[2] Eventually, Phillip contested this, and while Richard was held captive by Leopold V, Duke of Austria he invaded Vexin.
It fell so quickly under Gilbert's command that some chroniclers suspected foul play, and its fall perpetuated the loss of the entire Vexin region and later Normandy East of Rouen.