William de Braose (died 1230) facts for kids
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William de Braose (born around 1197 – died May 2, 1230) was the son of Reginald de Braose. He belonged to the powerful de Braose family, who were important Marcher Lords. Marcher Lords were powerful nobles who controlled lands along the border between England and Wales. The Welsh people called him Gwilym Ddu, which means Black William.
William's Early Life and Family
William de Braose was born in Brecon, a town in Wales, likely between 1197 and 1204. When his father passed away in 1227, William took over his family's lands and titles. These included important areas like Abergavenny and Buellt.
William married Eva Marshal. She was the daughter of a very famous knight, William Marshal, 1st Earl of Pembroke. William and Eva had four daughters:
- Isabella de Braose (born around 1222 – died 1248), who married Prince Dafydd ap Llywelyn.
- Maud de Braose (born around 1224 – died 1301), who married Roger Mortimer, 1st Baron Mortimer. The Mortimers were another strong Marcher family.
- Eleanor de Braose (around 1226 – died 1251), who married Humphrey de Bohun.
- Eva de Braose (around 1227 – died July 1255), who married William de Cantilupe (died 1254).
Capture and Execution
In 1228, William was captured by the Welsh forces of Prince Llywelyn the Great. This happened during a battle near Montgomery. William was set free after a large payment of £2,000 was made.
After his release, William made an agreement with Llywelyn. They planned for William's daughter, Isabella de Braose, to marry Llywelyn's son, Dafydd ap Llywelyn. However, William did something that deeply angered Llywelyn, involving Llywelyn's wife, Joan, Lady of Wales. Because of this, William was captured again at his own home and taken to Wales. Even with this problem, the marriage between their children still happened.
Llywelyn the Great had William publicly executed on May 2, 1230. It is believed this happened either at Crogen, near Bala, or close to Llywelyn's palace at Abergwyngregyn.
After William's death, his wife Eva continued to control some of the de Braose family lands and castles. She was listed as the owner of Totnes in 1230. King Henry III also gave her money to make Hay Castle stronger.
William's Legacy
William de Braose had no sons, only four daughters. This meant that his lands and titles were divided among them. The main family line of the de Braose dynasty then passed to a different branch of the family. The next male heir was John de Braose. He had already received the titles for Gower and Bramber from his uncle, Reginald de Braose.
