The de Clare family was a prominent Anglo-Norman noble family in medieval England and Ireland. They were descendants of Richard de Clare, the 2nd Earl of Pembroke, and played a significant role in the political landscape of the 12th and 13th centuries. The family held vast estates and titles, including the Earldoms of Gloucester and Hereford. Members of the de Clare family were known for their military prowess and involvement in the Crusades. They were influential in the governance of Wales and Ireland, often engaging in conflicts with local rulers. The family's legacy includes notable figures like Gilbert de Clare and Margaret de Clare, who contributed to the history of the British Isles.