Guy I Brisebarre facts for kids

Guy I Brisebarre was an important noble in the Kingdom of Jerusalem. He was known as the Lord of Beirut. He lived during a time when the Crusades were happening, and he played a part in some big events.

Who Was Guy I Brisebarre?

Guy I Brisebarre was a powerful leader in the Kingdom of Jerusalem. This kingdom was set up by European knights during the Crusades. Guy was the Lord of Beirut, which meant he ruled over the city and lands around Beirut. He took on this important role after his brother, Walter I.

A Special Mission to France

In 1127, something very important happened. The king of Jerusalem at the time, King Baldwin II, needed to find a husband for his daughter, Melisende. She was the heir to the throne, meaning she would become queen after him.

King Baldwin II chose Guy I Brisebarre for a special mission. Guy traveled all the way to France. He went with two important leaders of the Knights Templar, Hugh of Payns and William I of Bures. Their job was to find a suitable husband for Princess Melisende.

They found Fulk V of Anjou, a powerful count. In the spring of 1129, Guy and the others returned to the Holy Land with Count Fulk. They arrived in May, and Fulk later married Melisende.

Becoming Lord of Beirut

By 1138, Guy I Brisebarre became the Lord of Beirut. This was a very important position. As Lord, he was responsible for protecting the city and its people. He also helped the king manage the kingdom.

Taking Part in Big Events

Guy I Brisebarre was involved in major historical events. In 1148, he attended the Council of Acre. This was a big meeting where important leaders decided what to do next in the Crusades.

After the council, Guy also took part in the Siege of Damascus. A siege is when an army surrounds a city to try and capture it. During this siege, the local nobles even suggested that Guy I Brisebarre should rule Damascus if they managed to conquer it.

His Family and Legacy

Guy I Brisebarre had at least two sons who followed in his footsteps. They both became Lords of Beirut after him.

• Walter II (died 1169) was a Lord of Beirut. He later joined the Knights Templar.
• Guy II (died before 1164) also became a Lord of Beirut.