William Briwere

William Briwere (died 1244) was a medieval Bishop of Exeter.

Early life

Briwere was the nephew of William Brewer, a baron and political leader during King Henry III of England's minority. Nothing else is known of the younger Briwere's family or where he was educated. He owed the office of precentor at Exeter Cathedral to his uncle's influence, receiving that office about 1208.

Briwere was nominated around 25 November 1223 and consecrated on 21 April 1224.

Crusading bishop

Briwere participated in the Sixth Crusade as a proxy for his uncle, who died before he was able to fulfill his crusading vows.

Both bishops were influential advisors to Frederick II the Holy Roman Emperor.

Both bishops witnessed the treaty on 18 February 1229 with the Sultan of Cairo that restored Jerusalem to the Christians, He also set up the offices of dean and chancellor of the Exeter Cathedral chapter, allowing the chapter to elect those officers. He also issued a set of statutes for the diocese, based on those recently issued for the diocese of Salisbury. He had sought permission from the pope to resign before his death, but Pope Innocent IV only granted the permission after Briwere's death.