Giles de Braose

Giles de Braose (or Giles de Bruse; died 17 November 1215) was Bishop of Hereford from 1200 to 1215.

Early life Giles was the second son of William de Braose, 4th Lord of Bramber. Giles' mother was Maud of St Valery. His education and early career are unknown, but he was likely born soon after 1170.

Giles was probably responsible for the building of the tower of Brecon Cathedral. He may also have then been responsible for the building of the tower of Hereford Cathedral as his alabaster effigy can be seen there today.

Over 50 documents from Giles' time as bishop survive, which show him to have had a good knowledge of canon law. He was often employed by the papacy as a judge-delegate, hearing cases referred back to England from Rome. Since Hereford was on the Welsh Marches, Giles was involved in the politics and disputes of the border lands, including a dispute between King John and Gwenwynwyn ab Owain of Powys, which was resolved around 1204.

Giles died 17 November 1215, at Worcester and is buried in Hereford Cathedral.