William Briwere - Crusading Bishop

Crusading Bishop

Briwere went on crusade as a proxy for his uncle, who died before he was able to fulfill his crusading vows. The elder Briwere had taken the cross in 1189, but was excused temporarily because of his administrative duties. The nephew had released for his use 4000 marks that had been deposited with the Templars in the Holy Land by his uncle. Briwere went on crusade with Peter des Roches, who was Bishop of Winchester. An army of other crusaders accompanied them to the East, although whether they were English or mercenaries recruited on the Continent is unclear. The contingent left from Brindisi in August 1227.

Both bishops were influential advisors to Frederick II the Holy Roman Emperor. Pope Gregory IX had ordered that no one collaborate with Frederick, who was at the time excommunicate, but both bishops ignored the papal orders and worked closely with Frederick's agents and Frederick himself. The financial resources both bishops brought were especially appreciated by the crusaders.

Both bishops witnessed the treaty on 18 February 1229 with the Sultan of Cairo that restored Jerusalem to the Christians, the Treaty of Jaffa. Briwere visited Jerusalem after this. How quickly Briwere returned to England is uncertain. Some historians have it that he was back in England by 1229. Others, however point out that he is not attested as being in England until April 1231, and maintain that he travelled with des Roches, who dawdled in Italy for a time.