Ranulf de Gernons, 4th earl of Chester

English noble

Also known as: Ralph de Gernons, 4th Earl of Chester, Randulf de Gernons, 4th Earl of Chester, Ranulf de Gernons, 4th Earl of Chester, Vicomte de Bayeux, Vicomte d’Avranches

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Ranulf also spelled:: Randulf, or Ralph

Born:: c. 1100

Died:: Dec. 16, 1153

Also Known As:: Randulf de Gernons, 4th Earl of Chester; Ranulf de Gernons, 4th Earl of Chester, Vicomte de Bayeux, Vicomte d’Avranches; Ralph de Gernons, 4th Earl of Chester

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Ranulf de Gernons, 4th earl of Chester (born c. 1100—died Dec. 16, 1153) was the 4th earl of Chester and a key participant in the English civil war (from 1139) between King Stephen and the Holy Roman empress Matilda (also a claimant to the throne of England). Initially taking Matilda’s part, he fought for her in the Battle of Lincoln (1141), capturing and briefly imprisoning Stephen. Later (1149) he transferred his allegiance to the king in return for a grant of the city and castle of Lincoln. Coventry received its original charter from him.

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