William, Count of Mortain facts for kids
William of Mortain (born before 1084 – died after 1140) was a powerful noble. He held the title of Count of Mortain and was the second Earl of Cornwall.
Contents
William's Early Life
Family Background
William was the son of Robert, Count of Mortain. Robert was the half-brother of William I of England, also known as William the Conqueror. William's mother was Maud de Montgomery. Her father was Roger de Montgomerie, 1st Earl of Shrewsbury. William was born sometime before the year 1084.
Growing Up
From a young age, William had a strong dislike for his cousin, Henry I of England. Henry I was the king of England at the time. William felt he should have more land and titles. He proudly asked the king for his father's earldoms of Mortain and Cornwall. He also wanted the Earldom of Kent, which had belonged to his uncle, Odo, Bishop of Bayeux.
People who wrote about William described him as a difficult person. One writer called him "always causing trouble." Another said William had "shameless arrogance," meaning he was very proud and a bit rude.
Disagreements with King Henry I
William's Demands
King Henry I kept delaying William's requests for the Earldom of Kent. Instead, the king offered William a marriage to Mary of Scotland. She was the sister of Queen Matilda, the king's wife. William quickly said no to this offer. King Henry then arranged for Mary to marry Eustace III, Count of Boulogne instead.
The King's Response
King Henry continued to put off William's demands. He waited until he had dealt with William's uncles, the Montgomery family. The king eventually sent them away from England. After this, King Henry took back some lands in Cornwall from William. The king claimed William had taken these lands unfairly.
Leaving England
William was very angry about losing his lands. He left England and went to Normandy. There, he joined forces with Robert Curthose, who was King Henry's brother. William then attacked some of King Henry's properties in Normandy. This gave the king good reasons to take away all of William's titles and lands in England.
Capture and Later Life
The Battle of Tinchebrai
William was captured in 1106. This happened during the Battle of Tinchebrai, where he was fighting alongside Duke Robert. After his capture, William lost his title of Mortain.
Life as a Monk
William was held prisoner for many years. He was kept in the Tower of London, a famous castle and prison. In 1140, he became a Cluniac monk. A Cluniac monk is a member of a religious order that follows strict rules. William joined Bermondsey Abbey, which was just across the River Thames from the Tower of London.
