Maud de Braose

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Maud de Braose (c. 1155 – 1210), also known as Matilda de Braose, was a noblewoman of the High Middle Ages and a notable figure in the history of England and Wales. She was the wife of William de Braose, 4th Lord of Bramber, a powerful Marcher Lord who held extensive territories in the Welsh Marches. Maud is best remembered for her defiance against King John of England and the tragic circumstances of her death, which have made her a figure of legend and historical interest.

Early Life

Maud was born into the Anglo-Norman nobility, the daughter of Philip de Braose, 2nd Lord of Bramber, and his wife, Aenor de Totnes. The de Braose family was one of the most prominent in the Norman conquest and settlement of Wales, and through strategic marriages, they had amassed significant lands and power.

Marriage and Issue

Maud married William de Braose around 1174, aligning herself with one of the most influential families on the Welsh Marches. Together, they had several children, including Giles de Braose, Philip de Braose, William de Braose, 10th Baron Abergavenny, and Margaret de Braose. Through these children, Maud would become an ancestor to many significant figures in English and Welsh history.

Conflict with King John

Maud de Braose's life took a dramatic turn due to her family's conflict with King John. The de Braose family initially supported John's accession to the throne in 1199, but relations soured due to William de Braose's debts to the crown and his knowledge of John's involvement in the murder of his nephew, Arthur of Brittany. In 1208, King John demanded Maud and her eldest son, William, as hostages to guarantee her husband's loyalty. Maud's refusal and her alleged statement that she would not deliver her children to a king who had murdered his own nephew led to a bitter feud.

Imprisonment and Death

In retaliation, King John seized the de Braose lands and hunted down Maud and her son, William. They were captured in 1210 and imprisoned in Windsor Castle. Later, they were transferred to Corfe Castle in Dorset, where they were allegedly starved to death in the dungeon. The brutal treatment of Maud and her son by King John was widely condemned and contributed to the baronial opposition that eventually forced John to sign the Magna Carta in 1215.

Legacy

Maud de Braose's defiance and tragic end have made her a symbol of resistance against tyranny. Her story has been remembered through the ages in historical accounts, literature, and folklore. The de Braose family continued to play a significant role in the politics of England and Wales, although their power was significantly diminished after Maud's death.

See Also

• William de Braose, 4th Lord of Bramber
• King John of England
• Magna Carta
• Marcher Lords