William de Braose, Fourth Lord of Bramber

In 1175, William carried out the Massacre of Abergavenny[?], killing several Welsh princes to avenge the death of an ally, after having invited them to a feast at Abergavenny Castle[?]. This resulted in great hostility against him among the Welsh, who named him the "Ogre of Abergavenny".

In 1199, William fought beside King Richard the Lion-heart at Chalus, where Richard was killed.

In 1203, William was put in charge of Arthur of Brittany, whom King John had captured the previous year. William was suspected of involvement in Arthur's disappearance, although no concrete evidence ever came to light.

In 1206 or 1207, John made William sheriff of Herefordshire but almost immediately stripped him of all his offices and lands. de Braose fled to Ireland, then returned to Wales as John hunted him in Ireland. In Wales, William allied himself to the Welsh prince Llewelyn[?] and helped him in rebellion against King John.

In 1210, William fled in disguise to France and died the following year at Corbeuil[?]. William's wife, Maud de St. Valery[?], and eldest son, William, were captured and murdered by King John, possibly starved to death.

Eventually, one of William's younger sons, Reginald de Braose[?] reacquired some of his father's titles and lands.

External Links

• http://freespace.virgin.net/doug.thompson/BraoseWeb/William3.htm