Gerbod the Fleming, 1st Earl of Chester

Gerbod the Flame ( † after 1075 ) was a Flemish knight and Earl of Chester in the 11th century.

As Orderic Vitalis reported Gerbod the Flame ( Gherbodo Flandrensi ) in 1070 by William the Conqueror was encumbered with the county of Chester. Apparently he had previously rendered outstanding at the Conquest of England. But already in the following year he was recalled by his followers in the Flemish home, since its located there goods were threatened. This year in Flanders was a succession battle for supremacy between the Robert Friesen and his nephew, Count Arnulf III. Erupted.

As further reported Vitalis, Gerbod had hardly returned to Flanders fell into the captivity of his enemies and died soon after, but this is obviously wrong. For two Flemish chronicles call him as a participant in the decisive Battle of Cassel ( February 22, 1071 ), in which he fought on the side of the Friesians Roberts and the young Count Arnulf III. killed. Despite the so -won victory Gerbod was, after the Giselbert of Mons report, struck by a deep remorse because of his act and was therefore made ​​a pilgrimage to Rome to ask the Pope personally there for absolution. After he had proved his steadfastness, by letting the hand with which he had killed the Count amputate, Pope Gregory VII granted him absolution. At a papal advice, Gerbod renounced the worldly life and entered as a monk in the Benedictine monastery of Cluny.

Gerbod for the last time in a document issued in 1075 to document indicates to the Abbot of Saint- Bertin, which he testified as an advocate of the abbey. He had a sister Gundrada († 1085 ), who was with William de Warenne, 1st Earl of Surrey, married.