Philip de Braose, Second Lord of Bramber (1070-1134)
William de Braose died in 1093, and was succeeded by his son, one Philip de Braose. He proceeded to expand the lands that had been bequeathed to him, venturing into Wales and taking NewRadnor and Builth. Philip constructed a motte and bailey keep at Built, on the site where King Edward the 1st would later build Builth Castle, in the 13th Century. He was a warrior, who fought in the first crusade (1103), and married the Patriarch of Jerusalem’s niece, Aanor, daughter of Judhael of Totnes.
Philip was also the tenth most wealthy layman in England, so it’s safe to say that he’d done alright for himself.
He was a supporter of King Henry the 1st against his elder brother Robert Curthose’s (The Duke of Normandy) claim to English throne. Despite this, he revolted against Henry in 1110, who confuscated his estates in return.
The De Braose’s losing Bramber Castle, because of rebellion, would become a bit of a reccuring theme for their family.
However, his lands and lordships were returned to him in 1112, and he was thereafter able to retain them.
In 1130, Philip passed his lands onto his eldest son, William de Braose (The 3rd Lord of Bramber).
One popular Braose legend is that, during the reign of Henry I, Phillip and his dogs spent a night in the church of St Afan. At first light, Philip awoke to find that all his dogs had gone completely mad, and he himself was blind! After years of what he described as “tedium and darkness” (that feeling you get when you use slow WI-FI), Philip grasped an opportunity to redeem his offence against the Church, “for he did not wish his spiritual light to be extinguished as his eyes had been”. He armed himself and travelled to Jerusalem on a strong war horse, led by a group of loyal friends. They took him to the front line of the the crusades, where he charged gallantly forward, and was quickly struck down by a sword blow, receiving the honourable death that he wanted.
