Gloucester History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The surname Gloucester was first found in Gloucestershire where the surname is descended from the tenant of the city and lands of Gloucester, held only by the King, who was recorded in the Domesday Book census of 1086. It was from Gloucester that the King commissioned the Domesday Book. The name is probably derived from of the several stewards who held the lands from the King. Durand of Gloucester was such a steward.

Miles de Gloucester, Earl of Hereford (d. 1143), was the son and heir of Walter de Gloucester, hereditary castellan of Gloucester and sheriff of the shire. "Walter's father, Roger 'de Pistres,' had been sheriff before him, but was dead in 1086 (Domesday Book). Walter was in favour with Henry I, three of whose charters to him are extant (Duchy of Lancaster: Royal Charters). He held the post of a royal constable. Early in 1121 his son Miles was given the hand of Sibyl, daughter of Bernard de Neufmarché, the conqueror of Brecknock, with the reversion of her father's possessions (ib.) In the Pipe Roll of 1130 Walter is found to have been succeeded by his son, having died (or retired to Llanthony Abbey, according to its chronicle) in or before 1129 (Rot. Pip. 31 Hen. I). Miles was now (i.e. from 1128 at least) sheriff of Gloucestershire and Staffordshire, a justice itinerant, and a justice of the forest." 1