Reginald de Braose facts for kids
Reginald de Braose (born in 1182, died in 1228) was an important person in medieval England and Wales. He was a son of William de Braose, 4th Lord of Bramber and Maud de St. Valery. His family, the de Braoses, were very powerful. They were loyal to King Richard I and gained more power under King John of England.
Reginald was part of a strong family that controlled lands along the border of England and Wales, known as the Welsh Marches. He helped his family survive tough times. He also had family ties to the Welsh Princes of Wales through marriage.
Contents
Fighting for Rights: The Barons' War
Reginald de Braose supported his brother Giles de Braose in their fight against King John. Both brothers were active during a big conflict called the Barons' War. This war was about limiting the King's power.
The Magna Carta
The famous document called Magna Carta was signed in June 1215. It was a peace treaty between King John and his rebellious barons. However, Reginald and his brother were not there. They were still fighting against the King and did not want to make a deal at that time.
Getting Back Royal Favor
King John eventually agreed to let Reginald have his family's lands in Wales. This happened in May 1216. Reginald became the Lord of important places like Brecon, Abergavenny, and Builth. These were all Marcher Lordships, which were special border lands.
Marriage to a Welsh Princess
Reginald also became a close ally of the powerful Welsh leader Llywelyn Fawr. Llywelyn was the Prince of Gwynedd. In 1215, Reginald married Llywelyn's daughter, Gwladus Ddu. This marriage made Llywelyn his father-in-law.
Support from King Henry III
After King John died, King Henry III became the new ruler. King Henry III brought Reginald back into royal favor in 1217. He also gave back the Bramber estates, which King John had taken away from Reginald's family.
Conflicts in Wales
Reginald's actions upset his Welsh nephews, Rhys and Owain. They were princes of Deheubarth. They felt betrayed and took over most of Builth, except for the castle. Llywelyn Fawr also became angry. His forces surrounded Brecon. Reginald eventually gave up to Llywelyn and handed over Seinhenydd (which is now Swansea).
More Fighting and Shifting Alliances
By 1221, Reginald and Llywelyn were fighting again. Llywelyn once more surrounded Builth. This time, King Henry III's army came to help and ended the siege. From this point on, Llywelyn often supported Reginald's nephew, John de Braose. John had claims to the de Braose lands in Wales.
Later Life and Legacy
Reginald was an important witness when King Henry III re-issued the Magna Carta in 1225. This shows he was still a respected figure.
Reginald de Braose passed away in 1227 or 1228 in Brecon. He was buried in Brecon Priory Church, which is now Brecon Cathedral. His son, William de Braose, took over his lands. William was from Reginald's first marriage to Graecia Briwere. William de Braose was later executed by Llewellyn Fawr, King of Gwynedd.
It is believed that Matilda de Braose, who married Rhys Mechyll, the Prince of Deheubarth, might have been Reginald's daughter.
See also
- House of Braose
Images for kids
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Arms of Reginald de Braose
