Quick Facts
Adding us as a Preferred Source tells Google you trust our content, so our articles show up more often in your Google Search, Discover feed, and AI Overviews.
verifiedCite
While every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies.
Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions.
Select Citation Style
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(Show More)
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.
This article was most recently revised and updated by Encyclopaedia Britannica.
By clicking “Sign Up”, you consent to the Britannica
Privacy Policy
and
Terms of Use.