Philip de Braose

Philip de Braose, 2nd Lord of Bramber was a Norman nobleman whose father, William de Braose (d.1093–1096) had participated in the victory over the English Saxons at the Battle of Hastings in support of William the Conqueror.

Early career

William de Braose, 1st Lord of Bramber had been rewarded with a Barony and lands in Sussex and the Welsh Marches of Wales. Philip was born about 1070 to 1073 in Bramber, his mother being Agnes de St. Clare (born 1048 to 1054) (died 1080) of Barnstaple in Devon. Philip's task as heir was to consolidate these lands and expand them wherever possible. In 1096 he confirmed his father's gifts to the Abbey of St. Florent. Through marriage to Aenor de Fitz Judhel, daughter of Juhel of Totnes or Totenais (born 1084) he also acquired land in Totnes, Devon and held this valuable Lordship also.

Military achievements

It was Philip de Braose who conquered the Welsh borderlands at Builth and New Radnor and established new Norman Lordships over them as a Marcher Lord. He seems to have gone on the First Crusade in 1103. He was responsible for the building of St. Nicolas' Church, Old Shoreham in Sussex and founded the port at New Shoreham.

Later life

He supported King Henry I of England against Robert Curthose and then in 1110 revolted against King Henry I of England who confiscated his estates as a result.

He regained his Lordships and his lands in 1112 and was thereafter able to retain them, in 1130 passing them intact to his eldest son in turn, named William de Braose, 3rd Lord of Bramber. He also fathered a second son, also called Philip and two daughters, Basilia and Gillian. It is thought that he died between 1131 and 1139, possibly 1134 on a crusade in the Holy Land.

ee also

*William de Braose, 1st Lord of Bramber
*William de Braose, 3rd Lord of Bramber