William de Braose (or William de Briouze), First Lord of Bramber (died 1093/1096) was previously lord of Briouze, Normandy. He participated in the Norman Conquest of England and was granted lands by William the Conqueror, including the feudal barony of Bramber. His descendants played a significant part in the subsequent power struggles in England, Wales and Ireland in the 11th to 14th centuries.

Norman victor

right|upright=1.3|thumb|alt=Photograph|The [[St Nicholas' Church, Bramber|early Norman church at Bramber was at the centre of a dispute between William de Braose and Fécamp Abbey in Normandy.]]

Braose had been given extensive lands in Sussex by 1073. He became feudal baron of the Rape of Bramber where he built Bramber Castle. Braose was also awarded lands around Wareham and Corfe in Dorset, two manors in Surrey, Southcote in Berkshire and Downton in Wiltshire.

Progeny

William de Braose was succeeded as Lord of Bramber by his son, Philip de Braose, starting an important Anglo-Norman dynasty (see House of Braose).

Death

William de Braose was present in 1093 at the consecration of a church in Briouze, Normandy. However, his son Philip was issuing charters as Lord of Bramber in 1096, indicating that William de Braose died sometime between 1093 and 1096.

References

  • The Braose website