William Prater ^{1 2}

  Research Notes:

From http://wc.rootsweb.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/igm.cgi?op=GET&db=:3143362&id=I631844449 :

The name Prater was the Angelican version of the latin word Presbyter. Presbyter, Prater, the Elder, Praetor, Praetorian, it belonged to a class of people of early Roman times who were magistrates, justices, and learned men whose position was usually inherited and passed down in the family.

It is believed that a descendant of this class was attached to the Norman and English crowns and held their power through their connection with the Church.

Our Prater family is believed to have descended from this class of people. The Praters of England held such positions of power throughout the country, both of the Crown and Church.

William was the first born son in his family, thus making him the heir. His father, whose name is still unknown, was a very powerful man, holding eaton Water, Wiltshire, as his "hold". The first of the family to live at Eaton Water was established around the year 1086 or before. The half brother of King William held Eaton Water after 1066, but it was taken from him and given to other "servants of the King". We also know that Hugh de Drews held part of the area. The statement of "the servants of the King" very well could have referred William's ancestors who were titled the Reeve of Powys. As a "Reeve of Powys" this meant that they were the King's representative in Powys, thus the "King's servant".

It is also thought that William had held the Manor of Eaton Water under the "Lordship" of Odo; the half brother of King William. But, Odo betrayed his brother and all of his many estates in England were taken from him and given to many "loyal" servants of the King, many of which held them under Odo. Also note that Reinbald de Prater held the nearby Manor of Latton. Reinbald de Prater (Presbyter) was the first Chancellor of England. George Prater came into possession of Latton Manor in the early 1500's as inheritance. Latton Manor passed from Reinbald de Presbyter (Prater) ca. 1080's, in succession to the Earl of St. German, Cliftons, and Ellis families; then in the early 1500's to George Prater. Latton Manor is located near Eaton Water, Inglesham, and other known Estates held by the Prater family.

We do know that William married a descendant of Brockwell Yscithoer, "The Prince of Powys" for which the 3 silver wolf heads in the Coat-of-Arms indicate. Another female descendant married a Delamare, from which we received "Nunney Castle".

William married < > Carew. (< > Carew was born about 1450.)