The history of Gilbert Crispin abbot of Westminster and his family was studied by J. Armitage Robinson, Dean of Westminster, in the early 20th century[2308]. The relationships shown in this chapter are based on a manuscript history, probably written by Miles Crispin in the early 12th century, which is reproduced in the Recueil des Historiens des Gaules et de la France (there entitled "De nobili genere Crispinorum") and parts of which are also quoted by Dean Robinson[2309]. According to Richemond, Gilbert [I] was "Gilbert de Brionne seigneur du Bec, qui aida le moine Hellouin à fonder l´abbaye du Bec en 1035"[2310], but it is difficult to see how this suggested co-identity can be correct.
GILBERT [I] "Crispin" . A manuscript history of the Crispin family, probably written by Miles Crispin, records that the first family member was "Gislebertus" who was the first named "Crispini" because of his erect hair[2417]. Guillaume II Duke of Normandy confirmed the donation of "ecclesias...in maris Constantini pagi..." made by "Roberto...Hunfredi...filio" to Saint-Wandrille by charter dated to [1035/53], subscribed by "Roberti filii Hunfredi, Rogeri fratris eius, Anscetilli, Willelmi filii Ricardi secundi Normannorum ducis, Rogerii filii Radulfi de Warethna, Rogerii filii Ragnulfi, Gilleberti Crispin, Willelmi Guiet"[2418].m GUNNORA, daughter of BALDRIC & his wife ---. The De nobili genere Crispinorum records that "Gislebertus…Crispini cognomen" married "senioris Fulconis de Alnou germanam…Gonnorem"[2419]. The identity of her father is confirmed by Orderic Vitalis who names "…Fulco de Alnou…" as one of the sons of Baldric[2420]. Gilbert [I] & his wife had five children