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William de Braose, 1st Baron Braose facts for kids

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William de Braose
Baron Braose
Other titles Lord of Bramber, Lord of Gower
Born c. 1224
Died before 6 January 1291
Findon, Sussex
Noble family House of Braose
Spouse(s) Aline, daughter of Thomas de Multon;
Agnes, daughter of Nicholas de Moels;
Mary, daughter of Robert de Ros
Issue William de Braose, 2nd Baron Braose, Giles de Braose, Richard de Braose, Peter de Braose, Margaret de Braose, William de Braose (possible)
Father John de Braose
Mother Margaret, daughter of Llywelyn the Great
COA of de Braose, Lord Bramber and Gower
This is the coat of arms for the de Braose family, seen around 1280. It shows a golden lion on a blue background.

William de Braose (born around 1224, died 1291) was an important figure in medieval England and Wales. He was the very first Baron Braose. He also held the titles of Lord of Gower and Lord of Bramber. These were important areas of land and power.

His Family and Early Life

William de Braose was born into a powerful family. His father was John de Braose, who was the Lord of Bramber and Gower before him. William's mother was Margaret, the daughter of Llywelyn the Great. Llywelyn was a famous prince who ruled a large part of Wales called Gwynedd.

The Braose family had a long history. They were descendants of an earlier William de Braose, who lived around 1093. This older William was listed in the Domesday Book as owning Bramber. The family originally came from a place called Briouze in Normandy, France.

William's father passed away in 1232. After his father's death, William became the lord of his family's lands. He was considered old enough to manage his own affairs by July 1245. This means he was likely born around the year 1224.

Serving Kings and Helping Others

William de Braose was a trusted helper to two English kings. He served both King Henry III of England and King Edward I. He was part of their royal councils, which were groups of advisors. He also helped the kings in other important meetings.

During a civil war in England, William supported King Henry III. This war was against a powerful noble named Simon de Montfort. William chose to stand with the king during this difficult time.

William was also a generous person. He gave gifts and support to Sele Priory, which was a type of monastery. In 1254, he gave the priory a large piece of land in Crockhurst, Sussex. This gift was recorded in official documents. He received an annual payment from the priory in return.

His mother, Margaret, also encouraged him to make gifts. He gave land near the road from Chichester to Bramber because she asked him to. He also gave other smaller gifts of land and money to the priory. Around 1280, William even freed the priory from some payments and services they used to owe him.

Marriages and Legacy

William de Braose was married three times during his life. His first wife was Aline, the daughter of Thomas de Multon. His second wife was Agnes, whose father was Nicholas de Moeles. His third wife was Mary, the daughter of Robert de Ros.

William passed away at a place called Findon in Sussex. This happened just before January 6, 1291. He was buried at Sele Priory in Sussex on January 15.

William's son, also named William de Braose, 2nd Baron Braose, took over his titles and lands. This son was from his first marriage to Aline. William also had another son named Giles from his second marriage. Giles became a knight and fought in Scotland in the year 1300.

From his third marriage, William had at least three more children: Richard, Peter, and Margaret. Margaret later married Ralph de Camoys, 1st Baron Camoys. There might have been a fourth child named William from this marriage too. Richard died before 1296, and Peter died before 1312.

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