24 August 2014
William de Braose
William de Braose was born between 1106-1102, son of Philip de Braose and Aenor de Totnes.
He was the third in the line of the Anglo-Norman Braose family. After his father died in the 1130s William held lordships, land and castles in Sussex, with his caput at Bramber, also at Totnes in Devon and Radnor and Builth in the Welsh Marches. He confirmed the grants of his father and grandfather to the abbey of St Florent in Anjou and made further grants to the abbey's dependent priory at Sele in Sussex. About 1155, he also inherited through his mother's family one half of the honour of Barnstaple in Devon, paying a fee of 1000 marks for the privilege.
He married Bertha of Hereford abt Aug 1148, Herefordshire, England, daughter of Sir Miles Fitz Walter, Earl of Hereford, and Sibyl de Neufmarche.
When each of Bertha's four brothers died leaving no issue William's marriage became unexpectedly valuable. He gained control of the lordships of Brecon and Abergavenny after 1166 when the last brother died. These additional land holdings greatly expanded the territorial power and income of the Braose family. They now held a vast block of territory in the Middle March as well as their extensive interests in Sussex and Devon.
Infamous for the Christmas Day Massacre of Welsh Princes at Abergavenny Castle in 1175.
William and Bertha had the following children-
 | William de Braose, 4th Lord of Bramber, born c1144. 26x great grandfather. Married Maud de St Valery and had at least 9 children. Their son, William, married Maud de Clare, daughter of Richard de Clare, 3rd earl of Hertford. Their daughter Margaret married Walter de Lacy. NAother daughter, Annora, married Hugh de Mortemer.More to follow. |
| Maud de Braose - married John de Brompton |
| Sibilla de Braose |
| John -John is a witness to several charters of William (II), Earl Ferrers. In one of them he is described as "avunculus comitis", maternal uncle of the earl. This confirms him as a brother of Sibilla and hence a son of William and Bertha. |
| Roger - Roger is a witness to a charter of his brother William. (Dugdales "Monasticon" iv, p616) |
| Bertha de Braose - married Walter de Beauchamp 25x great grandparents. |
William de Braose died c1180.
Sources:
http://freespace.virgin.net/doug.thompson/BraoseWeb/family/william2.html
Wikipedia