The Briouzes, Clares and the Dynasty of Deheubarth, 1180s–C.1230

Abstract

Limitations in documentary primary sources work to downplay political and military cooperation between Welsh and Marcher lords. When all the clues are considered, substantial cooperation can be detected between segments of the Deheubarth dynasty and segments of the Briouze family between the mid-1180s and the early 1230s, and also, latterly, with the Clares. Considered alongside the well-known collaboration between the Marshal earls of Pembroke and junior members of the Deheubarth dynasty, the pattern of behaviour is strong. It would be inappropriate to speak of 'alliances': these were, instead, hard–nosed political understandings that lasted as long as they were of mutual benefit. Comparison with political dynamics in Ireland is revealing.