Warner of Grez facts for kids

Warner of Grez (also known as Werner or Garnier of Grey) was a brave French nobleman who lived a long time ago. He was born in a place called Grez-Doiceau, which is now in Belgium. Warner was an important participant in the First Crusade, a big journey taken by many European knights to the Middle East.

Warner was a close friend and relative of Godfrey of Bouillon, who was one of the main leaders of the First Crusade. Warner joined Godfrey's army and traveled with him on this huge adventure.

Getting Ready for the Crusade

Around 1096 or 1097, Warner needed money to pay for his journey and supplies for the crusade. He decided to sell some of his land, a piece of property called Vaux, to a nearby church in Fosses. In exchange, he received a valuable gold chalice, which was like a special cup, worth about 20¼ marks. This money helped him cover his costs for the long and difficult trip.

Journey to the Holy Land

Warner traveled with Godfrey of Bouillon. They met important leaders along the way. They met King Coloman of Hungary and later the Byzantine emperor Alexius I Comnenus when they reached Constantinople. Constantinople was a very large and important city at that time.

Fighting in Key Battles

Warner was a skilled soldier and fought in many important battles during the First Crusade.

Siege of Nicaea

He was mentioned during the Siege of Nicaea in 1097. This was one of the first major battles for the crusaders.

Siege of Antioch

Warner also fought in the long and difficult Siege of Antioch in 1098. After the crusaders captured Antioch, they were soon surrounded by another large army led by a powerful leader named Kerbogha from Mosul. Warner was part of the army's fifth group that bravely marched out to fight Kerbogha.

Warner also helped escort some visitors from Egypt who came to meet the crusaders. On their way back, Warner and his group were attacked by people living near Antioch. They managed to return safely to the crusader camp.

After Capturing Jerusalem

In 1099, the crusaders finally captured Jerusalem. Warner was one of the few important knights who decided to stay in Jerusalem with Godfrey of Bouillon.

Preparing for Haifa

In 1100, Godfrey became very sick. Warner and another knight named Tancred, Prince of Galilee started to plan an attack on the city of Haifa. They were going to work with a fleet of ships from Venice that were docked at Jaffa. However, Warner also became ill during these preparations. He was too sick to go on the attack and had to be carried back to Jerusalem on a special stretcher.

Protecting Jerusalem

In Jerusalem, a new church leader, Daimbert of Pisa, wanted the city to belong to the church. When Godfrey of Bouillon died on July 18, Warner and other supporters of Godfrey did not agree with Daimbert. They took control of the Tower of David, a strong fortress, to stop Daimbert from taking over the city.

Warner sent messages to Godfrey's brother, Baldwin, who was the Count of Edessa, asking him to come to Jerusalem. Sadly, Warner also died a few days later, on July 23 (some say July 22).

Warner's Burial and Legacy

Warner was buried with honor in the valley of Jehosaphat, near the entrance of a church dedicated to Saint Mary.

People who wrote about the crusade remembered Warner as a very skilled and brave soldier. One writer called him "a soldier irreproachable in the art of war," meaning he was perfect at fighting. Another called him a "valiant and intrepid warrior," which means he was very brave and fearless.